TL;DR
In an October 2025 essay, Dr. Josh C. Simmons argues that traits commonly labeled as neurodivergent—bottom-up systems thinking, intense sustained focus, and an impatience with repetitive work—can produce more reliable infrastructure, cleaner code, and earlier automation. He criticizes typical corporate office norms and recommends changes such as remote-first policies, cultural norms that protect focus, and neurodivergent representation in leadership.
What happened
In a published essay, Dr. Josh C. Simmons lays out a case that characteristics frequently associated with neurodivergence can be assets in software engineering and systems design. He describes three core traits—bottom-up systems thinking, deep hyperfocus or ‘obsession,’ and a drive to automate repetitive tasks—and shows how each can lead to sturdier infrastructure and higher-quality code. Simmons uses a deployment anecdote in which a quietly observant engineer spotted a subtle UI mismatch that exposed mismatched test versions and a potential failed release. He contrasts offices that enable focused work—dim, quiet floors, inward-facing desk pods, separate cafeterias and soundproof meeting rooms—with common open-plan setups that he says undermine concentration. The essay concludes with prescriptions for organizations, including remote-first policies when feasible, enforcing cultural norms that protect focus, and increasing neurodivergent representation in leadership to reduce unnecessary manual processes and burnout.
Why it matters
- Neurodivergent-associated traits may yield measurable engineering benefits: fewer defects, better automation, and more resilient systems.
- Office design and cultural norms can either enable or disrupt deep technical work, affecting product quality and employee retention.
- Representation of neurodivergent perspectives in leadership could accelerate the elimination of manual, low-value processes and reduce burnout.
- Companies that ignore different cognitive styles may lose productivity and long-term value by privileging optics over throughput.
Key facts
- Author identifies three traits as strengths: bottom-up systems thinking, hyperfocus/flow, and an instinct to automate repetitive work.
- Bottom-up thinking example: an engineer noticed a slightly different shade of a UI button, which revealed tests had run against an older build and likely prevented a faulty deployment.
- Hyperfocus is described as obsessional concentration that enables deep work, such as writing complex code or creating a programming language.
- A neurodivergent-friendly office profile in the essay includes dim, warm lighting; enforced silence on the engineering floor; desks in outward-facing pods of four; high-backed chairs and privacy panels; and isolated cafeterias.
- The essay contends many modern open offices, hot-desking, harsh lighting and noise destroy focus and produce middling results.
- Simmons argues neurodivergent employees automate manual processes earlier, turning impatience with grunt work into long-term efficiency gains.
- He recommends organizations adopt remote-first approaches where possible, cultivate cultural discipline that protects focus, and increase neurodivergent representation in executive ranks.
- The piece criticizes presenteeism and visual cues of ‘being seen at work’ as privileging optics over actual throughput.
What to watch next
- Whether companies adopt remote-first and focused-office design recommendations outlined in the essay — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether executive teams change hiring or promotion practices to include more neurodivergent representation — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Neurodivergent: A broad term describing individuals whose neurological development and functioning differ from societal norms; it includes a range of conditions and cognitive styles.
- Systems thinking: An approach that examines a system by understanding the relationships and interactions among its components rather than starting from a top-down hypothesis.
- Hyperfocus: A prolonged, intense period of concentrated attention on a task that can increase productivity and deep work output.
- Automation: The process of using software or machines to perform tasks without continuous human intervention, often to improve efficiency and reduce repetitive manual work.
- Presenteeism: The practice of being physically present at a workplace to signal effort or commitment, even when it does not reflect actual productivity.
Reader FAQ
What specific advantages does the essay attribute to neurodivergent workers?
The essay highlights bottom-up systems thinking, intense sustained focus, and an early drive to automate repetitive tasks as practical advantages in engineering.
Does the author recommend a single office model for all companies?
No. The essay advocates remote-first where feasible and describes design and cultural features that support focus; it notes there are exceptions for hardware or security-constrained roles.
Is there data or large-scale research cited to support these claims?
not confirmed in the source
What organizational changes does the essay propose?
Recommendations include remote-first policies when possible, cultural norms that protect focus (quiet floors, soundproof meeting spaces), and more neurodivergent representation in leadership.
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Sources
- Neurodivergent Brains Build Better Systems (2025)
- Neurodiversity in Engineering: How ADHD Strengthens Skills
- Supporting Neurodivergent Employees: A Guide for …
- This Neurodivergent Engineer's Strategy for Success
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