ASAE Research Foundation, MPI Foundation Release Neuroinclusion Study
By Todd McElwee
The ASAE Research Foundation, in partnership with the MPI Foundation, announced on April 8 the release of a new study examining neuroinclusion within the association community.
Outcomes include only one-third of staff involved in meetings and events report giving significant consideration to neurodivergent needs and a disconnect between staff and members.
“This research represents an important step forward in helping associations move from awareness to action,” said Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAip, President & CEO, ASAE. “Creating environments where every individual can fully participate and thrive is not just a value—it’s a responsibility.”
Research was conducted in collaboration with Burson and The Neu Project and released during Neurodiversity Celebration Month. ASAE said it provides one of the most comprehensive looks to date at how associations are embracing neuroinclusive practices in both workplace environments and meetings.
“As associations strive to better serve increasingly diverse communities, this landmark study offers critical insights into how neurodivergent individuals experience association engagement, and where meaningful progress can still be made,” ASAE said.
Summarized findings include:
• Association staff are less likely than members to report neurodivergent-specific accommodations exist—and more likely to believe none are in place—highlighting a disconnect in internal awareness and communication.
• While both members and staff generally trust executive leadership to support neuroinclusion, staff are less likely to view it as an active organizational priority.
• Members—particularly those who identify as neurodivergent—are more likely than staff to recognize neuroinclusive language and practices embedded in governance documents.
• Neurodivergent individuals report higher rates of discrimination, accessibility challenges, and exclusionary experiences, with inconsistent reporting of these issues to their associations.
“This study marks an important shift from awareness to action for our industry,” said Kevin Kirby, Executive Vice President, MPI Foundation. “At the MPI Foundation, we believe the future of meetings and workplaces must be intentionally designed for all individuals to participate and thrive and neuroinclusion is a fundamental component of creating environments where innovation, connection, and belonging can truly flourish. Progress at this level doesn’t happen in silos. It requires the association community to come together, share what’s working, and take collective responsibility for building more inclusive experiences.
This research is an important step forward and a call for our industry to lead that change together.”
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of neuroinclusion across the association landscape, the study was conducted in four phases:
Phase 1: Preliminary Landscape Review
Literature review to establish baseline understanding.
Phase 2: In-depth Interviews (IDIs)
20 interviews with leaders and staff (9 neurodivergent, 11 neurotypical) to uncover barriers and opportunities.
Phase 3: Quantitative Survey
1,675 respondents (485 employees, 1,190 members), including neurodivergent participants, providing broad quantitative insights.
Phase 4: Online Journals 10 neurodivergent participants shared lived experiences to validate and deepen findings.
Choose Chicago, Discover Puerto Rico, MGM Resorts International, Visit Kansas City, and Myrtle Beach Convention Center supported the project.
Find more information and the full report here.