ASAE Research Foundation, MPI Foundation Release New Neuroinclusion Study
The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Research Foundation, in partnership with the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Foundation, recently announced the release of a groundbreaking new study examining neuroinclusion within the association community.
Conducted in collaboration with Burson, a leading public relations firm, and The Neu Project and released during Neurodiversity Celebration Month, the research provides one of the most comprehensive looks to date at how associations are embracing neuroinclusive practices in both workplace environments and meetings. As associations strive to better serve increasingly diverse communities, this landmark study offers critical insights into how neurodivergent individuals experience association engagement, and where meaningful progress can still be made.
"This research represents an important step forward in helping associations move from awareness to action," said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP. "Creating environments where every individual can fully participate and thrive is not just a value – it’s a responsibility."
The study reveals both encouraging progress and clear opportunities for growth:
- Gap in Perceived Accommodations
Association staff are less likely than members to report that neurodivergent-specific accommodations exist – and more likely to believe none are in place – highlighting a disconnect in internal awareness and communication. - Leadership Support vs. Active Prioritization
While both members and staff generally trust executive leadership to support neuroinclusion, staff are less likely to view it as an active organizational priority. - Governance Awareness Varies
Members – particularly those who identify as neurodivergent – are more likely than staff to recognize neuroinclusive language and practices embedded in governance documents. - Event Planning Opportunity
Only one-third of staff involved in meetings and events report giving significant consideration to neurodivergent needs, underscoring a major opportunity to embed inclusion-by-design principles. - Persistent Barriers to Inclusion
Neurodivergent individuals report higher rates of discrimination, accessibility challenges, and exclusionary experiences, with inconsistent reporting of these issues to their associations.
"This study marks an important shift from awareness to action for our industry,” said Kevin Kirby, executive vice president, MPI Foundation. "At the MPI Foundation, we believe the future of meetings and workplaces must be intentionally designed for all individuals to participate and thrive and neuroinclusion is a fundamental component of creating environments where innovation, connection and belonging can truly flourish. Progress at this level doesn’t happen in silos. It requires the association community to come together, share what's working and take collective responsibility for building more inclusive experiences. This research is an important step forward and a call for our industry to lead that change together."
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of neuroinclusion across the association landscape, the study was conducted in four phases:
- Phase 1: Preliminary Landscape Review
Literature review to establish baseline understanding. - Phase 2: In-depth Interviews (IDIs)
20 interviews with leaders and staff (9 neurodivergent, 11 neurotypical) to uncover barriers and opportunities. - Phase 3: Quantitative Survey
1,675 respondents (485 employees, 1,190 members), including neurodivergent participants, providing broad quantitative insights. - Phase 4: Online Journals
10 neurodivergent participants shared lived experiences to validate and deepen findings.
This important research is made possible through the generous support of Choose Chicago, Discover Puerto Rico, MGM Resorts International, Visit Kansas City and Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
For more information and to purchase the full report, visit the ASAE Research Foundation website.