The socio-professional integration of neurodivergent people and its social value: a case study in Portugal

Purpose Unemployment is disproportionately high among neurodivergent individuals, exacerbating their risk of poverty and social exclusion. Collaborative efforts between social organisations and businesses have emerged to support a more inclusive society and economy. This study aims to assess the benefits from the implementation of a social project addressing this problem in Portugal, the SEARCH® Project. It also aims to discuss implications of a comparative analysis of the social return on investment (SROI) based on a homologous initiative and methodology in Scotland. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the SROI methodology to quantify the social value created by the project in Portugal. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources, including an online questionnaire answered by project participants and their parents. Findings The social impact assessment evidenced how project activities have positively affected participants and stakeholders. Parents, graduates and trainees have reported a significant increase in their quality of life. Quantitative findings reveal a social return of EUR 4.02 for every EUR 1 invested in the project. While a positive SROI was also found in the Scottish case, challenges in gathering information on similar financial proxies summed to cultural and policy sensitivities underscore limitations in comparative analysis. Research limitations/implications The findings of the paper underscore several key limitations of this study, particularly concerning the identification, quantification and monetisation of outcomes. Establishing indicators capable of quantifying intangible aspects, such as happiness and purpose in life, poses significant challenges to the SROI methodology. This also relates to challenges in assigning financial values to outcomes unique to the project, given the scarcity of initiatives adapted for neurodivergent individuals in Portugal. Practical implications This paper provides evidence of the positive effects of inclusive employability. Hence, this study resonates with existing studies that advocate for neurodiversity in work environments, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusive practices in the workplace. Originality/value This paper contributes to the limited literature on the socio-professional integration of neurodivergent people. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first study to assess the impact of a social project of this nature in Portugal, replicating a methodology from a comparative case in a different context, thereby contributing to the academic and practical discussion on limitations of comparative SROI analysis.