In response to the changing needs of the labor market and the growing awareness of cognitive diversity, SWPS University together with the Atypika Foundation – the initiator and co-creator of the program – have created the first in Poland and internationally innovative postgraduate study program devoted to the topic of neurodiversity in organizations.

The program “Neurodiversity in the workplace – inclusive recruitment and management” is the result of the vision and many years of work of the Atypika Foundation, whose goal is to introduce real systemic changes for the benefit of neurodivergent population – both in the professional and social space.

Hiren Shukla, leader of the global EY Neuro-Diverse Centers of Excellence program, spoke at the inauguration of the first edition of the studies, saying:

“Changing the world for the better is very difficult. However, what the Atypika Foundation is doing in cooperation with the SWPS University is a global game- changer.”

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A new paradigm in organizational design

The concept of neurodiversity is gaining importance as one of the key responses to the challenges of contemporary companies – from recruitment, through management, to the development of innovation and organizational culture. It recognizes differences in the ways of cognitive functioning not as an obstacle, but as a natural, valuable element of human diversity.

Introducing this approach to organizational practice allows creation of work environment that:

• eliminate invisible barriers in communication, processes and the structure of the organization,
• take into account the strengths of people with ADHD, autism spectrum, dyslexia, high sensory sensitivity and other cognitive profiles,
• strengthen the ethical foundations of business and support the sustainable development of the organization.

A pioneering program on an international scale

Initiated by the Atypika Foundation, the studies are a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program that combines the latest neuroscientific findings, psychological knowledge and

inclusive management practices. This is an educational offer that:

• develops the competences of socially responsible leaders,
• integrates the DE&I approach with the perspective of neurodiversity,
• enables participants to have a real impact on systemic changes in their organizations.

The community of change leaders is growing

Since the inception of the course, interest in the studies has been growing dynamically:

In the years 2022-2024, two completed editions of the studies took place – almost 70 graduates completed them.

The ongoing academic year 2024/2025 is already the third edition, in which more than 40 students participate, divided into two groups.

The program attracts HR and DE&I professionals, as well as organizational leaders, administrators, educators, and neuroatypical people who want to build more inclusive workplaces.

Atypika Foundation – initiator, substantive partner and voice of the community

The Atypika Foundation, founded by Kasia Modlińska-Resich, was the driving force behind the program from the very beginning. As a co-author of the curriculum and self-advocate, her role in shaping the content, selecting the teaching team, and—most importantly— representing the voice of neurodivergent individuals is what makes this course truly distinctive. The program was co-developed with PhD. Michał Tomczak, professor at the Gdańsk University of Technology in the Department of Management and Economics, and a leading global researcher in the field of neurodiversity. Together, they bring a unique blend of lived experience and academic expertise to the foundation of the program.

For years, the Foundation has been working to:

• increase the accessibility and representation of neurodivergent people in social and professional life,
• educate leaders, decision-makers and HR specialists in the field of cognitive needs,
• promote knowledge about neurodiversity from a practical, scientific and activist perspective.

Thanks to her involvement, the study program is not only an academic proposition, but also a platform for cooperation between scientific, social and business communities.

Comprehensive staff and multidimensional program

The presenters include experts in the field of:

• neuroscience, psychology, mental health,
• HR, communication, law and ethics,
• universal design and inclusive architecture.

The presenters include:

• Katarzyna Bogatko
• Ewa Ferensztajn-Rochowiak
• Ewa Furgał
• Urszula Kuc-Petelska
• Michał Tomczak
• Angelika Łasocha
• Natalia Nowaczyk
• Ewelina Opalko
• Joanna Opyrchał-Ryłko
• Dominika Pikul
• Olga Skumiał
• Katarzyna Stankiewicz
• Krzysztof Szalecki
• Joanna Szulc
• Anita Wojtkiewicz
• Dominika Zielińska

Such a wide range of presenters’ competences allows for an interdisciplinary approach to neurodiversity – taking into account the psychological, systemic, legal and organizational context.

Knowledge that can be implemented

The study program is practical and based on implementation experience. Graduates learn, among other things:

• how to design recruitment and onboarding processes that take neurodiversity into account,
• how to create internal procedures that support neuroatypical people,
• how to diagnose systemic barriers in organizations and remove them,
• how to develop a culture based on respect, flexibility and ethics.

Studies that change the labor market

Participants in the program emphasize that taking part in the studies is not only about gaining knowledge, but also about reshaping their understanding of the role of a leader, recruiter, HR professional, or educator. It is also an opportunity to engage in dialogue and gain deeper insight into the perspectives of self-advocates within the neurodiversity movement — whose voices form the foundation of this approach.

In a global perspective, neurodiversity is becoming one of the pillars of modern diversity management. Organizations such as EY, Microsoft, SAP or JP Morgan are introducing dedicated programs for neuroatypical people – and confirm that it simply pays off: innovation, employee loyalty and organizational resilience increase.

Social responsibility and the future of the labor market

In the face of dynamic technological and social changes, neurodiversity is no longer just an ethical issue. It is becoming a strategic asset of organizations of the future – those that want to be not only effective, but also responsible.

Postgraduate studies initiated by the Atypika Foundation and implemented by SWPS University are a response to the need for a deep transformation of work culture — one grounded in empathy, openness, and real influence. At the same time, the program addresses growing social inequalities and the profound challenges that artificial intelligence poses to the labor market, calling for new forms of inclusion, leadership, and ethical responsibility.

These studies are not only about acquiring theoretical knowledge — above all, they equip participants with practical tools to co-create a more human-centered and socially just labor market.