MT/Sprout
April 1, 2023
Seeing With Different Eyes: How Neurodivergent Thinkers Drive Innovation
By Simone van Neerven
The world has changed, and we need to redefine how we think about and measure intelligence. It is time to shake things up and acknowledge the skills the world needs. We need more innovators, problem-solvers, and change-makers. The ones who see the world with different eyes and think unconventionally, and neurodivergent people excel at that.
Single-Minded and Relentless
In 2017 and 2018, while ramping up manufacturing for Model 3, Tesla faced major bottlenecks and was under enormous pressure to meet production targets. During this production hell, as Elon Musk calls this period, he rarely left the factory and slept on-site quite frequently, often just catching a few hours on a couch or the floor. This way, Musk could stay close to the action, work long hours, and be available to address issues in real-time.
That repeated at SpaceX. In the early days, Musk was so committed to making the Falcon 1 rocket a success that he not only invested much of his personal fortune but also poured in relentless hours, often sleeping in the factory or nearby. His commitment went far beyond that of most CEOs, and he often was on the ground with his engineers, obsessing over details and pushing for solutions to incredibly complex engineering problems.
Hyperfocused and Unconventional
Musk’s companies, including SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, have pushed the boundaries of space exploration, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and neurotechnology. His ability to focus intensely on complex, long-term goals and his unconventional approach to business are crucial to his success.
Because of his extremely logical and pattern-based way of thinking, he sees possibilities others miss. He challenges conventional wisdom and easily builds new approaches to persistent problems, as he is less constrained by traditional assumptions.
Wired Differently
Musk is open about his neurodivergence, mentioning that he has Asperger syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder. Often, his success is attributed to his neurodivergent traits. Neurodivergence is a term used to describe variations in the human brain and how people process information, think, and learn.
Rather than viewing brain differences as deficits or disorders, neurodivergence recognizes these differences as part of the natural diversity of human minds. The concept promotes an inclusive view, suggesting that neurodiverse traits are simply alternative ways of thinking and perceiving the world rather than wrong or broken ways.
Different Types of Neurodivergence
Neurodivergent thinkers have cognitive and behavioral differences, impacting their communication, sensory processing, attention, and emotional regulation. Neurodivergence comes in a range of conditions and variations, each with unique characteristics, strengths, and challenges. Some examples are:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A developmental condition affecting social interaction, communication, interests, and behavior, often associated with intense focus, attention to detail, and strong pattern recognition abilities.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Characterized by challenges with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, ADHD can also lead to high energy, creativity, and spontaneous problem-solving.
- Dyslexia: A learning difference that primarily affects reading and language processing, but individuals with dyslexia often have strong spatial reasoning and creative thinking skills.
- Dyscalculia: A learning difference that affects the ability to understand numbers and mathematical concepts, though those with dyscalculia may excel in non-mathematical areas like visual or verbal creativity.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by repetitive thoughts and behaviors, OCD can contribute to high levels of focus, precision, and thoroughness in areas of interest or work.
Most of these come in a spectrum; some people barely show any signs, while for others, it can have a significant impact on their daily lives.
It’s Not a Weakness, It’s a Strength
Although neurodivergence is often stigmatized, there are many examples of people using it to their advantage:
Greta Thunberg, an environmental activist, has spoken about her Asperger’s as a superpower, allowing her to channel her intense focus and passion into climate activism. Her ability to focus on a single cause has made her a powerful advocate for environmental change, inspiring millions to act.
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, has credited his dyslexia with helping him create and manage businesses innovatively. Dyslexia often contributes to strong spatial reasoning and visualization skills, which Branson has leveraged to create engaging customer experiences across Virgin’s diverse portfolio.
Anthony Hopkins, the actor, has brought a profound intensity to his roles, including his Oscar-winning performances in “The Silence of the Lambs” and “The Father.” His autism contributes to his intense focus and dedication to his craft, and he has said it allows him to connect to his characters in a unique way.
David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue Airways and Breeze Airways, attributes much of his success to ADHD, which he says gives him the ability to think creatively and handle multiple tasks. His innovations in the airline industry, such as live TV on flights with JetBlue, have transformed passenger experience and set new industry standards.
Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon, has a hyper-focus on insects thanks to his autism. His unique way of processing the world inspired the concept of Pokémon, which became one of the most successful franchises in gaming and media history. His creativity and ability to design a complex, immersive world have a lasting impact on gaming and popular culture.
Steve Jobs was never officially diagnosed, but he displayed many traits associated with ADHD and OCD. His perfectionism, intense focus, and outside-the-box thinking led to iconic products like the iPhone, iPad, and Macintosh. His ability to focus on user experience and design set new standards in the tech industry and changed how people interact with technology.
A Super Booster for Innovation
The one thing they have in common is that they see the world with different eyes. They bring a unique perspective and think unconventionally, which allows them to question assumptions and develop creative solutions to long-lasting problems. They tackle challenges differently, often seeing solutions that others miss. Their resilience, often developed through overcoming personal challenges, drives them to persist through setbacks. These are all critical assets for successful innovation.
Challenges
Although neurodivergent people can bring much value to a team, leaders may face significant challenges. Neurodivergent people often find standard manners, communication styles, or work routines difficult. They can come across as blunt or anti-social. If leaders and co-workers don’t fully understand their strengths and struggles, misunderstandings or even conflicts happen easily.
Circling back to Elon Musk, known for skipping small talk and communicating in a direct and sometimes abrasive style. During a design review meeting at Tesla, he walked in and quickly zeroed in on technical flaws with a directness that left some team members reeling, feeling it was unfiltered criticism.
Cherish Your Rebels
However, those who worked closely with Musk found that once they adapted to his style, they learned to value his honesty and the clarity it brought to problem-solving. Rather than avoid someone who acts differently, appreciate a different perspective and learn to deal with the discomfort that comes with it.
Once you understand that cognitive diversity offered by neurodivergent thinkers is not a threat but enriches the team and leads to better outcomes, embracing the rebels in your team is much easier.
This article is part of The Innovator’s Handbook 2025 published by Innov8rs, the most popular corporate innovators community worldwide.
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