In the UK

Equality Act 2010

• Protects individuals with disabilities, including Autism, from discrimination in employment, education, and access to services.

• Employers must make reasonable adjustments to support Autistic employees.

• Applies to recruitment, promotions, pay, training, and workplace environment.

Children and Families Act 2014

• Focuses on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

• Requires local authorities and schools to provide support plans and reasonable accommodations.

Autism Act 2009 (England)

• The first disability-specific legislation in the UK.

• Requires development of an adult autism strategy, including guidance on health and social care services.

Neurodiversity-Inclusive Policies

• Local NHS and education policies increasingly recognise neurodiversity as a spectrum of differences rather than deficits.

• Guidelines emphasise individualised support, early interventions, and access to reasonable adjustments.

In the United States

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990

• Prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, education, public services, and accommodations.

• Requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations, including adjustments for social, sensory, or communication needs.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004

• Ensures that children with disabilities, including Autism, receive free appropriate public education (FAPE).

• Schools must provide Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to the student’s needs.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504

• Protects students and employees from discrimination by federally funded institutions.

• Mandates reasonable accommodations for educational and workplace access.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) 2014

• Supports employment services for people with disabilities, including training, placement, and career development.

In the E.U

European Disability Strategy 2010–2020 (and 2021–2030 update)

• Protects all persons with disabilities, including neurodiverse conditions, promoting accessibility, inclusion, and employment opportunities.

EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

• Articles 21 & 26 prohibit discrimination and protect social and occupational inclusion for all neurodiverse individuals.

European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)

• Article 14 prohibits discrimination based on disability, covering neurodiverse conditions.

• Supported by UN CRPD for comprehensive protections.

International / United Nations

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, 2006)

• Global protection for people with all forms of disabilities, including neurodiverse conditions.

• Guarantees rights to education, employment, independent living, and inclusion.

• Requires reasonable accommodations and individualized support.

International Labour Organization (ILO) Standards

• Conventions promote non-discrimination and workplace accommodations for all neurodiverse conditions.

In Canada

Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA)

• Prohibits discrimination for all persons with disabilities, including neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD, Autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette’s.

Employment Equity Act

• Federally regulated employers must remove barriers for neurodiverse employees and provide accommodations.

Provincial Accessibility Legislation

• Examples: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) ensures workplace and public service accessibility for all neurodiverse individuals.