Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey has unveiled both the challenges and opportunities that come with neurodiversity. My personal odyssey, much like those of many neurodivergent founders, is a tapestry woven with resilience, and the ceaseless pursuit of acceptance and recognition. (I am officially dyspraxic with much overlap with autism and ADHD).

Recent research by The Entrepreneurs Network paints a sobering picture of the hurdles neurodivergent founders face in business. Only 4 per cent of us claim to have never encountered discrimination due to our neuro-distinct brains. These statistics lay bare the barriers we confront simply because our brains process information differently.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, where innovation is the lifeblood, neurodiversity should be celebrated as a wellspring of ingenuity rather than stigmatised. Yet, as the research uncovers, nearly eight in ten of us feel compelled to conceal our neurotypes to some extent — a survival strategy born from a society that often fails to comprehend and appreciate our unique perspectives and capabilities.

'We must challenge misconceptions, champion understanding, and celebrate the myriad ways neurodiversity enriches our professional pursuits,' says the This Is Milk boss. Picture: Andrew Cawley.

For me, founding This is Milk wasn't merely about chasing a dream; it was a necessity. Like 64 per cent of neurodivergent founders surveyed, I recognised that establishing my own venture was the pathway to truly flourishing in the professional sphere. My neuro-distinct traits weren't obstacles; they were catalysts igniting innovation and tenacity.

My passion for neurodiversity transcends mere advocacy; it's knitted into the very fabric of our business ethos. That's why we're launching Neve Learning—a neurodiversity-first training platform designed to cater to all learners from the ground up. Rather than retrofitting courses to accommodate needs, Neve Learning embraces inclusivity from inception, ensuring an enriching experience for all participants. Our research found that everyone forged their own learning pathway, everyone has a unique brain, so Neve Learning is better for everyone.

Neurodiversity is a concept that applies to all humanity, it embraces everyone. Being different isn't a stumbling block; it's a dynamic asset waiting to be harnessed. The Entrepreneurs Network's research underscores the transformative potential of embracing neurodiversity in entrepreneurship. Despite adversities, the majority of us believe our uniqueness that stems from our neurotype augments our business acumen and unleashes our creativity.

As I reflect on my journey and the collective experiences of neurodiverse founders worldwide, one truth emerges — change is not only possible but inevitable. We must challenge misconceptions, champion understanding, and celebrate the myriad ways neurodiversity enriches our professional pursuits.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week isn't merely about acknowledging our differences; it's a clarion call to amplify our voices, champion inclusivity, and pave the way for future generations of neurodiverse entrepreneurs. Together, let's dismantle stereotypes, dismantle barriers, and forge a more equitable and vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.

The journey of neuro-distinct entrepreneurs is as diverse as the individuals themselves, but it's marked by a common thread of resilience and innovation. Despite facing discrimination and societal misconceptions, neurodiverse founders bring unique perspectives that drive creativity and success in the entrepreneurial world. As we celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week, let's recognise, embrace, and celebrate the valuable contributions of neurodiverse individuals, ensuring that our entrepreneurial landscape is inclusive and supportive for all.

Angela Prentner-Smith, founder and MD of consulting, training and digital technology agency This is Milk

Neurodiversity and entrepreneurial triumphs through unique perspectives - Angela Prentner-Smith comment