Fostering inclusive recruitment processes for neurodiverse talent using adaptive artificial intelligence (AI) assessments

Ogechi Smart Ekejiuba; Olayinka Anthony Ojo; Professor Celestine Iwendi; Ruth Chikodi Chime; Negin Aboutorabi; Afeez Akande

doi:10.1109/AFRICON66545.2025.11533815

Fostering inclusive recruitment processes for neurodiverse talent using adaptive artificial intelligence (AI) assessments

Ogechi Smart Ekejiuba, Olayinka Anthony Ojo, Professor Celestine Iwendi, Ruth Chikodi Chime, Negin Aboutorabi Afeez Akande

2025 IEEE AFRICON

IEEE Africon 2025 (Polokwane, South Africa, 10/12/2025–12/12/2025)

26/05/2026

: https://doi.org/10.1109/AFRICON66545.2025.11533815

Adaptive artificial intelligence (AI)

Inclusive recruitment

Neurodiversity

Algorithmic bias

Psychometric profiling

Inclusion in recruitment remains a critical challenge in the evolving landscape of work, particularly for individuals with neurodivergent cognitive profiles. This study investigates the potential of adaptive Artificial Intelligence (AI) assessments to foster more inclusive hiring practices for neurodiverse talent. Using thematic analysis and simulation-driven data, the research explores how AI systems can be optimized to support equity, reduce cognitive bias, and enhance candidate-job alignment. Grounded in Adaptive Theory, Evidence-Based Rationale, and the Input-Environment-Output (I-E-O) framework, the study models an AI-powered recruitment pipeline using psychometric clustering and retention data. Results reveal that while AI tools can personalise assessments and improve hiring outcomes, they also risk amplifying bias if not calibrated across diverse cognitive profiles. The study emphasizes the importance of neurodiversity-aware model tuning, participatory design involving neurodivergent individuals, and the integration of fairness metrics such as demographic parity and equal opportunity. The findings contribute practical insights and a replicable framework for advancing inclusive hiring through AI-enabled systems.

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: Fostering inclusive recruitment processes for neurodiverse talent using adaptive artificial intelligence (AI) assessments
: Ogechi Smart Ekejiuba - University of Greater Manchester
Olayinka Anthony Ojo - University of Greater Manchester
Professor Celestine Iwendi - University of Greater Manchester, Computing
Ruth Chikodi Chime - University of Greater Manchester
Negin Aboutorabi - University of Greater Manchester
Afeez Akande - University of Greater Manchester
: 2025 IEEE AFRICON
: IEEE Africon 2025 (Polokwane, South Africa, 10/12/2025–12/12/2025)
: IEEE
: 9958652008841; 2153-0025; 2153-0033; 9798331565190; 2153-0033
: Open via UKRI policy for UK authors and in line with the Universities Read Plus open access agreement with IEEE
: University of Greater Manchester; Computing
: English
: Conference proceeding