The current waiting time for the NHS diagnosis can reach 7 years, we will cut this waiting time to 0
Help us create a world that celebrates diversity and empowers neurodiverse individuals to thrive. With your support, we can make a difference.
Our vision
Improving the neurodiversity landscape. We are determined to revolutionise the diagnostic process for Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia, cutting the average waiting time from 7 years to 0 and by doing this giving back 1,625,000 hours to the NHS.
Additionally, we aim to develop a set of inclusive tools, that help employers to effectively hire and retain neurodivergent individuals and give neurodivergent talent tools to get into and stay in meaningful employment.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term describing people who process information in an alternative way due to a different connection between their neurons (axons) – a natural variation of human brains. These terms include traits like: Autism, Asperger, OCD, ADHD, ADD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Tourette, etc.
The current waiting time for an NHS initial assessment can take up to 7 years.
Founder’s story
“Push yourself out of your comfort zone, be brave and do something that scares
you slightly”
~ Anna Brailsford, CEO of Code First Girls.
Michael, our socially responsible founder, followed this advice to create the idea of ND Axon.
As a young, gay, and neurodivergent individual, he has faced his own challenges and understands the importance of inclusion. Michael’s personal journey has fuelled his drive to create a world where differences are celebrated and individuals can flourish. With his unwavering commitment, he has assembled a team of experts, including neurodivergent individuals and scientists from the University of Manchester, who share his vision and are dedicated to making a difference.
How you can help
• Pledge any amount you can to support our cause
• Get an employment passport for £5 and unlock your potential
• Find out if you are neurodivergent for £250 and gain self-understanding
• Access our PathFinder for candidates for £30 and enhance your interview performance
• Assess your organisation’s inclusivity for £500 and drive positive change
• Get a diagnostic tool for neurodivergent individuals for £5,000 and transform lives
• Obtain an inclusive recruitment robot for your organisation for £8,000 and foster diversity
Together, let’s pave the way for a future that embraces the power of diversity. Join us in this crowdfunding campaign and be a part of something incredible.
Axon team
We have carefully selected a team of experts to help us change the NHS and the inclusion levels in our organisations.
The team consists of people who are neurodivergent, who have secured investment before, designed applications used by NHS, worked with the government, worked in Silicon Valley, and have PhDs in 3 different disciplines to mention a few. But most importantly it is a group of people who care.
Where Axon comes in
The current diagnostic process relies heavily on the patient’s ability to properly describe themselves on a cognitive and emotional level, which is very subjective. For adults, especially, this can be counter-intuitive to a lifetime spent masking their traits from the public. It can lead to false diagnosis and/or missed diagnosis. Our app is designed to eliminate this and make the process of diagnosis faster and more accurate. Currently, the average diagnosis time is 13 hours and requires multiple clinicians and some 3rd party involvement in the diagnosis process; which is the best way we can currently diagnose ADHD, Autism or Dyslexia. This approach has many flaws and so much room for error. We are going to eliminate this and revolutionise the way the world is looking at neurodivergent people.
Our app is an instant diagnostic tool for doctors/GPs and the NHS, but it will also bridge the gap between employer and employee. It is designed to improve the neurodiversity landscape within diagnosis and employment, as both are heavily correlated.
We will make these tests a thing of the past.
How does it work?
The app uses AI (artificial intelligence), ML (machine learning), VR (virtual reality) and automation that has been developed in cooperation with the University of Manchester for the research and development.
At a diagnostic level, it uses a precise algorithm to assess a patient, which relies heavily on behavioural science.
The technology does not require any actual input from the patient. It is a passive diagnostic tool that is designed to identify behavioural traits, backed by hard data acquired over 12 months from its knowledge and experience of interacting with neurodivergent patients. The principles are the same as the tools currently used for patients seeking a cancer diagnosis.
It eliminates the current process of subjective tests, 7 year-long queues for diagnosis and appointments with multiple specialists, which are costly and time-consuming. Meanwhile, the service releases resources back to NHS, so doctors and psychiatrists can focus on cases really requiring human intervention, like finding out the right treatment or mental health therapy. We believe we can give back 1 625 000 hours to the NHS.
Helping with employment
The digital service works for both employer and employee in both making workplaces more inclusive and the recruitment process more comfortable. It is comprised of 12 different functionalities, which can be used together as an all-inclusive Recruitment Robot – or you can simply use the functionalities that interest you.
For the applicant, it can generate a passport that outlines how to get the best out of the candidate during the interview and at work, as well as an onboarding process that can offer assistance for anyone with sensory requirements. It also uses an algorithm that can assess how inclusive an employer really is.
For the employer, it will have capabilities to take over recruitment and make it more inclusive by default (including the ability to complete reference checks). This will leave the hiring manager to concentrate on the interviews, and will advise them on how to interview neurodivergent talent.
The first mock-ups of the Axon app
Environmental commitments
Society: The instant neurodiversity diagnostic tool and the Inclusive Recruitment Robot developed by ND Axon will contribute to a more inclusive and diverse society. By providing instant and accurate neurodiversity diagnoses, individuals will have timely access to support and interventions, improving their well-being and quality of life. The inclusive recruitment process will create equal opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, reducing discrimination and promoting social inclusion. These innovations align with the EU’s policy of promoting social equality and inclusion.
Environment and climate: While the direct impact of ND Axon’s innovations on the environment and climate is not explicit, the positive social impact can indirectly contribute to a more sustainable future. By enabling neurodivergent individuals to fully participate in society and the ND Axon workforce, their unique perspectives, skills, and talents can contribute to innovative solutions for environmental and climate challenges. Additionally, ND Axon is committed to adopting sustainable practices within their operations and development processes, minimising their environmental footprint.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): ND Axon’s innovations align with several SDGs, including:
– SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By providing instant neurodiversity diagnoses, ND Axon contributes to improving the health and well-being of individuals by ensuring timely access to support.
– SDG 4: Quality Education – The inclusive recruitment process promotes equal access to education and employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, contributing to inclusive and equitable quality education.
– SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The Inclusive Recruitment Robot helps create a diverse and inclusive workforce, fostering job creation and economic growth.
– SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – ND Axon’s innovations aim to reduce inequalities by ensuring equal opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, promoting social inclusion and combating discrimination.
– SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – ND Axon’s collaboration with the University of Manchester and other partners demonstrates their commitment to fostering partnerships and knowledge sharing to achieve sustainable development goals.
Job Creation: ND Axon’s innovations have the potential to create job opportunities in various sectors. As the demand for neurodiversity-focused innovation and inclusive recruitment practices grows, ND Axon will expand its workforce to meet the market needs. By hiring over 200 employees in the first 5-years, ND Axon will contribute to job creation and economic development, supporting the EU’s goal of fostering a competitive and inclusive labor market.
Together, let’s pave the way for a future that embraces the power of diversity. Join us in this crowdfunding campaign and be a part of something incredible.
Donate Now or Buy One of Our Tools in Advance!