​​Broader Vocational Context and Neurodiversity

• Work is central to adult autonomy, social connection, and well‑being; unemployment increases mental health risks .
• Neurodiversity frameworks highlight “spiky profiles” (specific strengths and weaknesses) and argue for:
• *job design,
• *supports, and
• *workplace accommodations rather than a pure deficit model.

Conclusion

Across neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, atypical or accelerated aging combines with early‑onset symptoms to reduce years worked, employment rates, earnings, and job quality.

Cognitive ability, education, social support, and tailored vocational opportunities can buffer these effects, but substantial gaps in stable, meaningful employment remain.

Supporting neurodivergent and psychiatric populations over the whole life course—especially during school‑to‑work transitions and into older age—is crucial for better work and aging outcomes.