What is the
NWRC?
The Neurodiversity at Work Research Centre, or the NWRC, Southeast Asia’s first research centre dedicated to connecting workers with disabilities to meaningful employment, thus fostering a sustainable business community. The NWRC is a collaborative partnership between Steps and Chulalongkorn University’s Sasin School of Management.
What is the NWRC?
The Neurodiversity at Work Research Centre, or the NWRC, Southeast Asia’s first research centre dedicated to connecting workers with disabilities to meaningful employment, thus fostering a sustainable business community. The NWRC is a collaborative partnership between Steps and Chulalongkorn University’s Sasin School of Management.
The NWRC as a catalyst for change
Neurodivergent people, such as those with autism, face significant barriers to employment across the region. This situation is not only socially unjust, but also detrimental to businesses that miss out on the untapped potential of an overlooked workforce. Addressing this issue can lead to substantial benefits for both individuals and the broader economy.
The Neurodiversity at Work Research Centre (NWRC) is at the forefront of addressing these challenges by conducting evidence-based research that offers real, actionable value to businesses committed to inclusive hiring practices. The NWRC’s research outputs support the development of corporate inclusion tools, alongside providing training and consultancy services for companies seeking to initiate or enhance their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.
By focusing on increasing access to employment for neurodivergent individuals, the NWRC aims to unlock new opportunities for business and economic growth. The Centre has developed an evidence-based roadmap designed to guide businesses in implementing inclusion on a large scale. This roadmap is a comprehensive strategy that addresses various aspects of the hiring process, workplace culture, and ongoing support systems to ensure sustainable inclusion.
The NWRC’s initiatives are set to make a significant impact by fostering a more inclusive job market in Thailand and Southeast Asia. This will not only benefit neurodivergent individuals by providing them with meaningful employment opportunities but will also enrich businesses through the diverse perspectives and skills that neurodivergent employees bring to the table.
How you can get involved
Businesses: Commission research
for your organisation
Businesses can commission tailored research from the NWRC to gain actionable insights for effectively hiring and supporting neurodivergent employees, enhancing workplace inclusivity and productivity.
Researchers: Partner with us
on studies
Researchers can collaborate with the NWRC on cutting-edge studies, contributing to impactful research that advances neurodiversity and inclusive employment practices.
Donors: Help fund the work of the
NWRC
Donors can support the NWRC by providing financial contributions, enabling the expansion of research initiatives and development of inclusion tools that promote employment for neurodivergent individuals.
Businesses: Commission research
for your organisation
Businesses can commission tailored research from the NWRC to gain actionable insights for effectively hiring and supporting neurodivergent employees, enhancing workplace inclusivity and productivity.
Researchers: Partner with us
on studies
Researchers can collaborate with the NWRC on cutting-edge studies, contributing to impactful research that advances neurodiversity and inclusive employment practices.
Donors: Help fund the work of the
NWRC
Donors can support the NWRC by providing financial contributions, enabling the expansion of research initiatives and development of inclusion tools that promote employment for neurodivergent individuals.
Our research digest:
stay up to date with news
about workplace inclusion
The NWRC publishes a quarterly digest to
share research findings and other news
related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
NWRC Digest past issues
White papers and research highlights
Our white papers have highlighted the need for a cohesive ecosystem wherein government and policymakers, public and non-profit organisations, academics, and individuals with disabilities collaborate to bridge identified gaps in employment opportunities.
[White paper] Accommodations in Thai workplaces (EN) - November 2024
This white paper examines the state of workplace accommodations to enhance employment opportunities and quality for people who are neurodivergent and people with disabilities in Thailand. Case studies from industry leaders and innovators show how effective implementation of accommodations benefits individual employees, company culture and overall productivity.
[White paper] Accommodations in Thai workplaces (TH) - November 2024
This white paper examines the state of workplace accommodations to enhance employment opportunities and quality for people who are neurodivergent and people with disabilities in Thailand. Case studies from industry leaders and innovators show how effective implementation of accommodations benefits individual employees, company culture and overall productivity.
[White Paper] Empowering caregivers (EN) - May 2024
This white paper examines the experience of caregivers of people with disabilities and people who identify as neurodivergent in Thailand in order to understand how to help families prepare and advocate for meaningful employment opportunities.
[White Paper] Empowering caregivers (TH) - May 2024
This white paper examines the experience of caregivers of people with disabilities and people who identify as neurodivergent in Thailand in order to understand how to help families prepare and advocate for meaningful employment opportunities.
[White Paper] Synthesising inclusive workplaces: Thailand (EN) - January 2024
This white paper examines the experience of People With Disabilities, including neurodivergence, as they seek educational, vocational and professional opportunities in addition to employer, advocacy, and policy level recommendations to increase accessibility and inclusion in workplaces in Thailand.
[White Paper] Synthesising inclusive workplaces: Thailand (TH) - January 2024
This white paper examines the experience of People With Disabilities, including neurodivergence, as they seek educational, vocational and professional opportunities in addition to employer, advocacy, and policy level recommendations to increase accessibility and inclusion in workplaces in Thailand.
Research findings, news, and events
Disability inclusion event
1
On 4 April 2023, the NWRC participated in
an event hosted by the Economic
Research Institute for ASEAN and East
Asia, focusing on disability inclusion.
Read more here.
2
At the event, three research papers were
launched, covering inclusive education,
social enterprises and disability, and
technology and disability.
1 
On 4 April 2023, the NWRC participated in an event hosted by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, focusing on disability inclusion.
Read more here.
2 
At the event, three research papers were launched, covering inclusive education, social enterprises and disability, and technology and disability.
Articles and publications
Neurodiversity and the Future of Work
Dr. Drew Mallory, NWRC Director of Research, discusses five ways businesses and business schools can support neurodivergent individuals.
IDEALS Policy Launch at Sasin
School of Management
Newswise Feature on IDEALS
Inclusion Policy
Supporting Neurodiverse
Students in Business Schools
The Business Because website examines how business schools can better support neurodiverse students.
A thank you to our donors
The work of the NWRC is made possible by the incredible support of our donors, who are committed to ensuring that everyone can access employment. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following organisations.
Contact the NWRC
If you are interested in learning more about the
NWRC, becoming a donor, or collaborating with
us, please contact nwrc@stepscommunity.com.
Get in touch!
Contact us today and we can discuss
how to work together.