Episode 41: How to design a brainstorm for autistic and ADHD thinkers - and everyone else
Published on 15 July 2025 • Hosted by Dr Lisa Colledge
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When we picture a successful brainstorming, we likely think about a lively, fast-paced meeting where people throw out ideas fluently. But what if that energy drains more than half your team instead of energizing them?
Most brainstorms cater to extroverts and fast talkers, people who are good at creating ideas by talking. But research shows that 56.8% of people globally prefer to work in an introvert style. Autistic people and deep thinkers, for example, temd to prefer to process quietly before contributing, whereas ADHD-style thinkers often thrive on spontaneity. Yet most leaders design brainstorms for just one kind of mind.
If we want better ideas, we need better design.
In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, I share three focus areas to help leaders design brainstorms where everyone can contribute their best:
1. Before the session
Share game rules to help build safety.
Provide evidence and data up front in multiple formats.
Share the agenda, process, and links to any brainstorming tools ahead of time.
2. Offer multiple ways to share in the session
Start with silent brainstorming before anyone speaks.
Allow written and verbal contributions in separate rounds.
Reset the discussion with reframing questions to unlock new perspectives.
3. Create space after the session
Set up spaces for comtinued sharing.
Allow 1-2 days for follow-up contributions.
Close the loop by showing how you’ll use the ideas.
These aren’t just nice-to-haves. Research shows that they’re essential to release your team’s collective genius. Without them, your brainstorm only works for one neurostyle, and your team’s ideas miss out on powerful insights that stay locked inside people’s heads.
