Beautiful Minds Conference: Elevating Neurodivergent Voices, and Supporting Mental Health, Well-being and Belonging

Meet Michael, whose late autism diagnosis at 58 unlocked a deep understanding of the creative spark behind his twenty-six-year teaching career. At the Ross School of Business, Michael has flourished, embracing his neurodiversity as the source of his innovative, authentic, and truth-driven approach to business education.

In this session, Michael shares how autism has shaped the way he processes information, sees the world, and connects with his students. He reveals how the challenges and strengths of autism fuel both his originality and his uncompromising pursuit of knowledge.

Michael’s story confronts common misconceptions—especially the belief that autistics lack emotion or desire for connection. He powerfully advocates that autistics feel intensely, care deeply, and strive to belong and contribute just like everyone else.

Join us to hear Michael’s insights on entrepreneurship and neurodiversity, and to explore how embracing differences can build more inclusive, innovative classrooms and communities.

Michael’s journey will inspire educators, business leaders, and allies to rethink assumptions and celebrate the value of authenticity and belonging.

Be part of this transformative conversation—discover how neurodiversity enriches business education and opens doors to new possibilities.

Join us for groundbreaking insights into the intersection of neurodiversity and housing instability. Using robust data from the National Wellbeing Survey (NWS), this study investigates the association between ADHD and homelessness over a two-year period. The urgency is clear: homelessness in the U.S. surged to 771,480 in January 2024—an 18% increase from the previous year.

Traditional models have viewed ADHD primarily as a deficit or disorder. However, this research adopts a nuanced perspective, recognizing both the strengths and challenges neurodivergent individuals navigate. The findings reveal a significantly higher rate of ADHD among people experiencing homelessness compared to those with stable housing. These individuals also report elevated rates of other mental health diagnoses.

Key barriers for neurodivergent populations—including workforce discrimination, microaggressions, and intimate partner violence—are examined as contributors to precarious housing. Past research has overlooked adult populations, but this study fills a vital gap in understanding the complex relationship between ADHD and homelessness.

Don’t miss this session, which advocates for shifting policy and practice toward inclusive support, breaking structural barriers, and promoting wellbeing for all. Explore how acknowledging neurodiversity can drive real change in the fight against homelessness.