LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County announced Thursday the launch of an initiative designed to expand employment opportunities for neurodivergent job seekers and provide additional support for neurodivergent county employees.
The Neurodiversity at Work Initiative will begin with 25 neurodivergent job candidates recruited and prepared by NeuroTalent Works, according to the county.
Participants will complete a two-week virtual job-readiness program before pursuing paid positions through the county's Career Development Internship program, which offers salaried positions with benefits for up to two years.
NeuroTalent Works will provide coaching for employees and managers, while regional centers and the California Department of Rehabilitation will offer additional support, including benefits planning, officials said.
"We have talented people who have a lot to offer, but they're getting overlooked because the traditional hiring process doesn't always give them a fair shot. We need to change that," Supervisor Janice Hahn said. "This program will help more neurodivergent people get their foot in the door at the County, while helping us become a better employer and a more effective government for the people we serve."
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously April 1, 2025, to approve a motion introduced by Hahn and Supervisor Holly Mitchell calling for expanded employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and neurodivergent conditions. The motion also called for more inclusive hiring practices, improved access to accommodations, personnel training and progress tracking.
The initiative is being developed and implemented by the county Department of Human Resources in collaboration with the Aging & Disabilities Department, NeuroTalent Works, the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities and seven regional centers serving the county.
County departments, including Aging & Disabilities, Internal Services and Mental Health, along with L.A. County Library, will participate in neuroinclusion training for supervisors, managers and human resources teams.
A Neurodiversity Ambassador Program will also invite neurodivergent county employees to help shape the initiative through a voluntary, confidential advisory group, officials said.
"Meaningful employment can provide more than a paycheck. It can offer purpose, independence, and a sense of belonging," Aging & Disabilities Department Director Maral V. Karaccusian said. "This initiative is an important step toward making sure people with neurodivergence have opportunities to contribute their skills and build careers in County service."
The regional centers are providing start-up support for the first group through funding awarded by the California Department of Developmental Services.
The San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center, a founding partner, is contributing $182,000 for candidate recruitment, job-readiness training and county workforce readiness training. According to the program plan, 21 of the 25 spots in the first group are reserved for regional center clients.
The county said it will track hiring and retention, employee satisfaction and the effectiveness of neurodiversity training and workplace accommodations.
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