14358: Flourishing in Academia: Co-Designing Inclusive Academic Workplaces for Neurodivergent Scholars

This Professional Development Workshop develops an innovative co-designed approach to fostering flourishing workplaces for neurodivergent academics. Drawing from spiritual principles, practical wisdom, and contemporary EDI theories, we address the demand for holistic approaches to workplace spirituality and neurodiversity in academic environments. It integrates experiential learning through participatory design, transforming theoretical frameworks of flourishing into practical strategies for resilience and community building. Participants engage in structured co-design activities that develop cultural sensitivity and inclusive practices through realistic scenarios, followed by facilitated discussions on implementation strategies. The session encompasses theoretical foundations, hands-on experience with co-design methods, and collaborative dialogue about integrating neurodiversity in academic practice. The workshop advances understanding of how spiritual principles and practical wisdom can enhance neurodivergent academics’ flourishing while developing concrete approaches to creating environments where they can fully thrive with their unique capabilities. This initiative offers a model for learning and implementing holistic approaches that honor individual singularities and collective spiritual growth in academic settings.