Financial wellbeing through the lens of neurodiversity

2 min read

Understanding neurodiversity 

Neurodiversity encompasses various conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These conditions influence how individuals process information, make decisions, and manage daily tasks, including financial responsibilities. Meaning that neurodiverse individuals are more likely to face bigger challenges when it comes to their financial wellbeing. For example, a recent medical study, ‘Predicting the financial wellbeing of autistic adults’ highlights that many autistic adults feel they are struggling with financial wellbeing because of how they manage their money.  

The financial challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals 

Financial wellbeing involves: 

• Having control over daily and monthly finances 
• Absorbing financial shocks 
• Making informed decisions to stay on track with financial goals 
• Gaining financial freedom to enjoy life 

However, neurodivergent individuals may encounter specific financial obstacles including: 

Difficulty processing complex financial information: Traditional financial content is often jargon-heavy, making it harder for those with dyslexia, ADHD, or autism to understand critical details. 

Increased vulnerability to financial scams: People with executive function challenges may struggle with impulse control or quickly recognizing deceptive schemes. 

Struggles with budgeting and organization: Executive dysfunction can make it harder to track expenses, plan for the future, or consistently manage savings and bills. 

Inconsistent income and employment barriers: Many neurodivergent individuals face difficulties securing stable employment due to workplace biases or challenges with conventional job application processes. 

How nudge supports neurodivergent people 

To help neurodivergent individuals overcome these barriers, nudge integrates accessibility features that cater to diverse cognitive needs in the following ways: 

1. Predictable and consistent experience with nudge 

• Our platform has strong focus indicators (thick borders, high contrast) to help people on nudge to stay oriented while navigating. 
• Keyboard focus always remains visible for a predictable experience. 
• Long-form educational content includes anchor links for easy navigation. 

Who benefits? 

• ADHD users (improves focus and faster navigation 
• Dyslexic users (easier tracking) 
• Autistic users (increased predictability) 

2. Accessible language on nudge 

• nudge’s financial education is reviewed to maintain clear, simple language structures. 
• Financial jargon is explained with in-line definitions to prevent alienation. 

Who benefits? 

• ADHD users (reduces cognitive overload) 
• Dyslexic users (improves comprehension) 
• Autistic and anxious users (enhances clarity and predictability) 

3. Text readability and customization on nudge 

• On the nudge platform, people can adjust text spacing without losing content or functionality. 
• Text meets WCAG 2.2 standards for spacing and contrast ratios to improve readability. 

Who benefits? 

• ADHD users (makes dense text clearer) 
• Dyslexic users (reduces letter crowding) 
• Autistic users (increases consistency and predictability) 

The bigger picture: financial inclusion for the neurodivergent community  

Digital accessibility is a key driver to financial inclusion for the neurodivergent community. For nudge, this includes 

Providing financial education personalized to neurodivergent thinking styles: Breaking down complex concepts into digestible formats enhances understanding. 

Offering alternative budgeting tools: Visual and interactive financial planning tools help those who struggle with traditional spreadsheets or financial tracking apps. 

Increasing fraud awareness and understanding: Financial education on the ever-evolving fraud threats with personalized alerts to help neurodivergent individuals spot and avoid scams. 

The digital financial world must evolve to accommodate all, particularly those with neurodivergent needs. By adhering to guidelines like WCAG 2.2, we can create more inclusive, predictable, accessible experiences, and help everyone to manage their finances more effectively.  

Find out about the nudge's platform accessibility.