Redisign the Future of Work with Neurodiversity in Mind
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Brainstorm: A Guide to Neurodivergent Talent and the Future of Work is a bold, practical guide to rebuilding work from the ground up. It shows that inclusion is more than the right thing to do, it is essential to business success. With raw honesty, sharp storytelling, and real-world tools, Brainstorm challenges tired corporate narratives and equips leaders, managers, and teams to unlock overlooked talent. Drawing on the voices of people across industries and ways of thinking, including trailblazers, business leaders, and academics, it highlights how work must be built for every kind of mind.
Written by Dave Thompson, a pioneering self-advocate, educator, and innovator in the field of neurodiversity employment for over a decade, this book shows readers how to:
Build environments that empower people across every cognitive profile
Rethink “accommodations” as Success Enablers that fuel performance and growth
Foster psychological safety, allyship, and trust in teams of every size
Rethink hiring, management, and retention practices to expand your talent pipeline
Tackle real workplace obstacles like communication breakdowns, burnout, and bias
For employers of all sizes and industries, Brainstorm delivers an urgent call to action: stop forcing people to fit a system that was not designed for them. Instead, rewire the system itself and watch innovation, productivity, and engagement surge, and see everyone win.
Praise for Brainstorm
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“In the humble kingdom of my brain, Dave Thompson's Brainstorm reimagines the workplace through the lens of neuroinclusion, offering actionable insights to create environments where everyone belongs. A must-read for leaders, advocates, and anyone shaping the future of work.”
Natalia (Nat) Lyckowski, Global Neurodiversity Advancement Leader, IBM
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“Brainstorm is powerful, inspiring, and refreshingly practical. Dave Thompson blends real-world stories and strategies to show that neurodiversity isn’t just an inclusion goal—it’s a competitive advantage.”
Danny Combs, Inaugural Director, Colorado Disability Opportunity Office
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“With raw and resonant storytelling, Brainstorm sparks reflection, growth, and practical pathways toward neuro-inclusion. It invites us to embrace unique perspectives and the many ways we engage with the human experience.”
Danielle Biddick, Program Manager, Global Talent Acquisition, Dell Technologies
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“Brainstorm makes the case that neuroinclusion isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a competitive advantage. By reframing neurodiversity as a driver of innovation, this book offers a roadmap for leaders who want to unlock talent and stay ahead.”
Jason Benitez, Vice President, Inclusion, Capital Region Chamber, New York
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“If a picture is worth 1000 words, one of Dave's doodles is a masterclass in neuroinclusion.”
Tara Cunningham, CEO, Beyond-Impact; Co-Founder, Yes! Access
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“After 35 years in education, I am amazed we are still exploring how to embrace every learner. Dave Thompson offers a fresh opportunity to understand neurodivergent people and how they contribute to the fabric of society. Required reading for educators and leaders alike.”
Dr. Kevin Scanlon, Superintendent of Schools, Three Village School District, New York
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“This book is a rare blend of rigorous thinking and real-world relevance. With years of experience leading and learning in this space, Dave takes complex, nuanced topics and makes them not just accessible, he makes them compelling.”
Jenn Feldman, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Specialisterne USA
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“Smart, fearless, and deeply human—Brainstorm is a must-read for anyone who believes different minds make a better world.”
Anthony Pacilio, Chief Inclusion Officer, Soho Square Solutions
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“The strategies in Brainstorm apply not just to large corporations, but to small and mission-driven businesses and to employees with a wide range of strengths, experiences, and support needs. A must-read for every leader, educator, and policymaker who wants to build a truly inclusive world of work.”
Patrick Bardsley, CEO, Spectrum Designs
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“Brainstorm is a transformative guide to the future of work. With a sharp, practical lens, Dave unpacks the untapped potential of neurodivergent talent and challenges us to rethink how we define inclusion and innovation.”
George Andriopoulos, CEO, Launchpad Five One Six, International Keynote Speaker on Leadership and Turnaround
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“Brainstorm is more than a book – it’s a toolkit for building new kinds of social enterprises that see the value in employing a wide spectrum of individuals.”
Val Jensen, Founder, Prospector Theater