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Mar. 23, 2026

Workers on the spectrum and the quiet frontier of employee civil rights

Workers diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactive disorder are reshaping how the law understands disability, merit and equal opportunity in the modern workplace. Their experiences often remain invisible until a crisis--disciplinary action, demotion or termination--forces them into the legal system. This article identifies case law as guidance, as well as strategies employers and employees can use to mitigate this legal risk.

Pawanpreet K. Dhaliwal

Founding Attorney
Dhaliwal Law

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Workers on the spectrum and the quiet frontier of employee civil rights
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Neurodivergent workers include those with autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and they sit at the quiet frontier of workplace civil rights. These employees are frequently praised for creativity, pattern recognition or hyper$95

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