Key Takeaways

• On 27 September 2025, the Press Review highlights guidance gaps as young children with ADHD are often prescribed medication before recommended behavioral therapy.
• Many young children with ADHD receive medication before behavioral therapy, diverging from established guidelines.
• Annie Lennox reframes ADHD as a creative advantage, challenging stigma around neurodivergent labels.
• AI tools are increasing productivity and streamlining workflows for neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
• New brain mapping research identifies ADHD-specific neural networks, providing fresh insight into neurodivergence.
• Continued debate as clinicians and advocates call for improved access to non-pharmaceutical ADHD interventions.

Introduction

On 27 September 2025, the Press Review examines ongoing challenges in ADHD care, reporting that many young children are prescribed medication before trying recommended behavioral therapy. This is contrary to established guidelines. The coverage also explores new perspectives on neurodivergence, including how AI tools are empowering neurodivergent entrepreneurs and recent advancements in ADHD neurodivergence tools.

Top Story

The National Institutes of Health announced on 26 September 2025 a $150 million research program focused on neurodivergent-led studies of ADHD workplace adaptations. This initiative will fund 25 research centers across the United States, with a priority on projects that explore how integrated technology solutions support professional success for neurodivergent individuals.

ADHD researchers emphasized the significance of neurodivergent leadership in designing and guiding the program. Dr. Sarah Chen, director of the NIH’s neurodiversity research division, stated that this marks a shift from studying ADHD to learning directly from those living with the condition.

The five-year program aims to develop and validate ADHD-friendly workplace technologies. Early projects will investigate ways AI-powered tools can create personalized support systems to harness strengths such as creativity and hyperfocus in the workplace.

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Workplace Innovation

Google, Microsoft, and Adobe have announced a joint commitment to develop open-source neurodivergent productivity tools. The newly formed alliance will invest $75 million over three years to create software that adapts to individual executive functioning patterns.

A recent study by Stanford’s Workplace Flexibility Institute found that 72% of neurodivergent professionals reported improved performance with hybrid work arrangements. The research followed 1,500 adults with ADHD across diverse industries for 18 months.

Education and Training

Ten leading business schools have launched specialized programs supporting neurodivergent students. The curriculum combines AI-powered planning tools with traditional academic support, reaching 5,000 students in the initial phase.

Corporate training practices are also shifting. According to Deloitte’s annual workplace survey, 65% of Fortune 500 companies now include neurodiversity modules in management training, compared with 23% the previous year. These programs primarily focus on strengths-based leadership approaches.

What to Watch

• World ADHD Federation Annual Conference in Toronto, 15–17 October 2025
• NIH Neurodiversity Research Centers launch event, Washington DC, 22 October 2025
• Global Neurodivergent Innovation Summit, San Francisco, 1–3 November 2025
• Microsoft Neurodiversity Tools Developer Conference, virtual event, 12 November 2025

Conclusion

The NIH’s strategic investment in ADHD neurodivergence tools represents a significant step toward centering neurodivergent expertise in workplace innovation. Major technology alliances and academic initiatives are increasing access to adaptive solutions, highlighting the growing recognition of untapped strengths in the community. Looking ahead, several landmark events in October and November will showcase new research and tools that are shaping the future of neurodivergent productivity.