interviews
Interviewing neurodivergent people
Effective interviewing requires empathy, structure, and adaptability; especially when engaging with neurodivergent individuals such as those with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia.
Neurodiversity recognises that people process information in different but equally valid ways. Traditional investigative interviewing styles, which rely on many open-ended questions, fast paced interactions, and social nuance can often create barriers for neurodivergent people, leading to anxiety and inaccurate responses.
Providing clear procedural information, predictable structure, and sensory accommodations improves co-operation and accuracy from neurodivergent interviewees. In fact, the Individual–Interpersonal–Environmental (IIE) Model shows that challenges arise not from the neurodivergent interviewee, but from a mismatched interaction and the environment in which the interview takes place.
Best practices include offering interview details in advance, minimizing sensory distractions, asking one clear question at a time, avoiding metaphors or sarcasm, allowing extra processing time, and clarifying responses without judgement.
Transparency is key. When utilizing structured methods, appropriate preparation and planning, and a thoughtful approach can enhance understanding and reduce stress and anxiety from neurodivergent interviewees.
Ultimately, interviewing neurodivergent people isn’t about making exceptions, it’s about ensuring fairness and effective communication. When interviewers adapt with clarity, patience, and respect, they foster trust and gather more reliable, authentic information.
