Neurodivergence and Personal Knowledge Management Across Life Domains

Abstract

Based on the findings of a study exploring the use of personal knowledge management (PKM) by neurodivergent (ND) survey participants, this paper demonstrates that PKM can be a valuable strategy for ND individuals across all life domains, arguing that PKM should be studied in relation to NDs’ personal goals and interests, rather than just in the context of employment and academia as it typically has been. This study was made up of an anonymous, online survey of over 300 self-identifying ND adults, primarily with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and/or autism. The survey included both close-ended and open-ended questions about participants’ use of PKM strategies, and responses indicated that while the life domains of Job and Academic were reported to be most positively impacted by PKM, the life domains of Everyday Life and Leisure, and to a lesser extent Health, Family and Partnership, and Social Contacts were also positively impacted. This paper contributes to the sparse research on the information behaviors of ND adults and to the discussion of quality of life and well-being of ND individuals.