Neurodiversity at Work

The research group 'Neurodiversity at Work' examines the working conditions, work-related demands and resources, and design approaches for neurodivergent individuals (particularly people on the autism spectrum and those with ADHD) from an occupational and organisational psychology perspective. The focus is on both structural and organisational challenges in the sustainable design of employment and on individual experiences of employment trajectories, for example for career sustainability, transitional phases, or in dealing with work-related performance demands and social expectations in the workplace.

A particular emphasis lies on the analysis of psychological strain, stress development, and coping with stress in the everyday work lives of neurodivergent employees. Established theoretical constructs (e.g., job demands, resources, autonomy, or social support) are examined with regard to their applicability, fit, and potential need for adaptation for this population, and are further developed accordingly. In addition, specifically developed assessment instruments are used, including the COPE-A questionnaire, which enables a differentiated assessment of coping strategies for dealing with work-related stress among autistic employees. Furthermore, motivations, decision-making processes, and consequences of masking and disclosure are investigated, including their short- and long-term effects on well-being, health, performance, and career development.

Recent Publications

• Erdal, K., Kröger, M., & Finnemann, J. (2026). Developing an inventory of workplace stress coping strategies among autistic adults: A grounded Delphi study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-026-07507-w
• Finnemann, J., & Erdal, K. (2026). Coping with workplace stress in autism: Development of a multidimensional coping inventory [Preprint]. PsyArXiv. https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/m9cet_v1

Current Studies

(as of August 2026)

Current studies can be found via FernUniversität in Hagen’s SONA research participation system: Fakultät für psychologie - Forschungsteilnahmeverwaltung

For some studies, we also recruit participants outside the SONA system::

• Sich selbst verstecken für den Job? Masking im Arbeitsalltag neurodivergenter Menschen (Masking und Authentizität am Arbeitsplatz für neurodivergente Beschäftigte) Link: https://fernunihagen.questionpro.eu/a/TakeSurvey?tt=/ndSBNYOIr/U5Fp41RYEJA%3D%3D
• Neurodivergent auf Jobsuche: Eine Umfrage zu Einstellungen, Sorgen und Strategien von Autist:innen und Menschen mit ADHS im Bewerbungsprozess. Link: Neurodivergent auf Jobsuche: Eine Umfrage zu Einstellungen, Sorgen und Strategien von Autist:innen und Menschen mit ADHS im Bewerbungsprozess | QuestionPro Survey

We supervise Master’s theses within the Department of Work and Organizational Psychology. If you are interested in writing your Master’s thesis within our research focus, please contact us well in advance.

News

• In October 2026, we will co-organize a Small Group Meeting of the European Association of Work and Organizational Psychology (EAWOP) in Rovereto entitled “From the Missing Piece to the Bigger Picture: Building the Future of Neurodiversity at Work.” EAWOP Small Group Meeting.
• IIn April 2026, we led a Special Interest Group (SIG) on Advancing Organisational and Translational Perspectives on Autism and Employment at the conference of International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) in Prague We are planning to continue the SIG in 20

Are you interested in collaborating with us as a practice partner in our research projects? We would be happy to hear from you.

Alumni

• Marina Kröger, M.Sc.
• Shoshana Nyland, M.Sc.