What skills set do neurodivergent individuals bring to engineering?
This week we celebrate National Engineers Day- 4th March 2025
Individuals with dyslexia often possess unique strengths that align well with engineering. Their ability to think in a highly visual and spatial manner can make them excellent problem-solvers, particularly in fields like mechanical design, architecture, and systems engineering. Many also develop strong resilience and adaptability from overcoming reading challenges, which translates well into troubleshooting complex technical issues. Additionally, their outside-the-box thinking fosters creativity in innovation and design, making them valuable contributors in engineering teams. By focusing on their strengths and leveraging alternative learning methods, individuals with dyslexia can excel in engineering careers.
Here are some examples of how individuals with dyslexia might demonstrate their strengths in engineering:
1. Visual Problem-Solving in Design – A mechanical engineer with dyslexia might excel at visualising complex machinery in 3D without needing to rely heavily on technical manuals, allowing them to conceptualise efficient designs quickly.
2. Pattern Recognition in Data Analysis – A software engineer could leverage their ability to spot patterns in large datasets to optimise algorithms or improve machine learning models, even if reading through documentation takes more effort.
3. Hands-on Learning in Prototyping – A civil engineer might prefer hands-on experimentation over written instructions, allowing them to quickly iterate and improve designs in construction or infrastructure projects.
4. Creative Thinking in Problem-Solving – An aerospace engineer with dyslexia could approach troubleshooting system malfunctions with an unconventional mindset, seeing solutions others may overlook due to their unique way of processing information.
5. Collaboration and Verbal Communication – A project manager in an engineering team might rely on strong verbal communication skills to guide teams effectively, reducing reliance on written reports.
By recognising and harnessing these strengths, individuals with dyslexia can excel in engineering fields, proving that different ways of thinking can drive innovation.
You might recognise some the skills and routes to engineering. Career Journeys: The Paths That Led Our Engineers Here
Every engineer has a story, it may well be a journey filled with curiosity, challenges, and triumphs and no doubt failures. They may well be childhood tinkerers to career switchers, their paths demonstrate that there’s no single route into engineering—just a shared passion for problem-solving and innovation.
1. The Childhood Tinkerer: Turning Curiosity into a Career
Background: Growing up, many children are fascinated by how things work, taking apart toys, fixing household gadgets, and building with LEGO. This curiosity may lead them to study mechanical engineering.
Advice for Future Engineers: “Stay curious! Engineering is about continuous learning. The best way to grow is to keep questioning and exploring new technologies.”
2. The Career Switcher: From Finance to Software Development
Background: Some individuals come to engineering later in life, they may find they are more interested in building models than analysing them. They may have a passion for coding, and change career to software development.
Advice for Future Engineers: “It’s never too late to switch careers. If you’re passionate about technology, start learning, build projects, and connect with mentors. Your previous experience will always add value.”
3. The Problem-Solver: Engineering as a Way to Change the World
Background: Some individuals are driven by a desire to create solutions for global challenges such as water purification projects to energy-efficient systems, they want to find solutions.
Advice for Future Engineers: “Engineering is not just about math and science, it’s about making a real impact. Choose projects that align with your values, and never stop looking for ways to improve the world.”
4. The Self-Taught Innovator: Learning Outside the Classroom
Background: Some may not follow a traditional academic path but instead learn something such as programming through online courses, personal projects, and open-source contributions. They make become software engineers specialising in artificial intelligence.
Advice for Future Engineers: “Don’t let the lack of a degree hold you back. What matters is your ability to build, problem-solve, and keep learning. The tech world values skills and persistence above all else.”
Chris’ Story: A Dyslexic Engineer Who Defied Expectations
One powerful example of dyslexia as a strength in engineering is Chris’ journey. As a child, teachers doubted his ability to succeed in IT due to his dyslexia. However, Chris had a strong visual mind and problem-solving skills, which led him to software engineering and digital innovation.
He built custom systems for schools, developed platforms for start-ups, and created solutions that transformed education and business. Despite setbacks—including being rejected from an apprenticeship due to failing English—Chris persisted, earning a First-Class Honours degree in Multimedia and later contracting in software engineering.
His story took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer during the pandemic. Yet, even during treatment, he used his engineering mindset to stay engaged, building an e-commerce platform from scratch. Today, cancer-free and thriving, Chris continues to innovate, proving that neurodivergent minds bring unmatched creativity and resilience to engineering.
Final Thoughts: Your Engineering Journey Awaits
Engineering is an ever-evolving field that welcomes diverse thinkers. Whether you are neurodivergent, a career switcher, or a self-taught innovator, your skills and perspective can drive real-world innovation.
If you’re inspired to explore engineering:
✅ Seek out mentors
✅ Start hands-on projects
✅ Embrace your unique way of thinking
Never stop asking, “How does this work?”—because that question might just lead you to a career you love.
Engineering is not a one-size-fits-all career, it’s a constantly evolving field that welcomes diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Whether you’re just starting, considering a career change, or teaching yourself new skills, know that persistence, curiosity, and passion will guide your way.
If you’re inspired to begin or advance your engineering journey, start today. Seek out mentors, explore hands-on projects, and never stop asking, “How does this work?”—because that question might just lead you to a career you love.
Read Chris’ story about his journey into engineering and his take on dyslexia.
