Shropshire employers are being encouraged to rethink how they recruit to help unlock overlooked neurodiverse talent.
The call follows a roundtable discussion hosted by Enable and organised by Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, where businesses heard that fewer than one-third of autistic adults are currently in employment.
Negative perceptions and misconceptions about neurodivergence, including the belief that individuals with learning difficulties are "hard work," were identified as major barriers.
Ruth Ross, chief executive of Shropshire Chamber, said: "This was a frank, honest, and productive session exploring ways of helping businesses to recognise the opportunities and value of this untapped talent.
"It is clear that the issue is not a lack of willingness, but a lack of awareness, confidence, and connection."
Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley, who attended the event, said: "It was great to bring together local employers for a roundtable discussion on the barriers too many neurodivergent people still face when trying to access and stay in work."
Plans are being explored to create a central directory of support organisations across Shropshire.
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