The experience of neurodivergent midwives in Aotearoa New Zealand: An appreciative inquiry

As awareness of neurodivergence grows and diagnostic pathways improve, increasing numbers of health professionals are identifying as neurodivergent (ND). However, little is known about the experiences of ND kahu pōkai (midwives) in Aotearoa New Zealand. This study explores how ND kahu pōkai navigate their professional environments, the strengths they bring to their practice, and what supports could help them thrive. Using Appreciative Inquiry, a strengths-based methodology, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 ND kahu pōkai, followed by a four-day asynchronous online focus group. Person-orientated research ethics were employed to minimise barriers to engagement for ND participants. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed five key themes that illuminate the lived experiences of ND kahu pōkai. The first theme described how ND kahu pōkai felt that they built strong therapeutic relationships with whānau, drawing on their unique communication styles, deep empathy, and cognitive strengths. Participants believed that the care they provided was emotionally safe, affirming, and grounded in authenticity and lived experience, thus they positioned their neurodivergence as a relational asset within their practice. The second theme explored the concept of “spiky” skill profiles, where participants balanced exceptional abilities with specific challenges. They navigated clinical and interpersonal demands using tailored strategies and supportive feedback, highlighting the need for nuanced understanding of ND capabilities. The third theme described a personal journey of finding a workplace that suited participants sensory and cognitive needs. This involved discovering environments that aligned with their preferences and developing customised tools and routines to manage energy levels and overstimulation. Theme four focused on fostering ND kahu pōkai culture and leadership. Participants embraced neurodivergence as a cultural reclamation and strength, advocating for inclusive leadership, peer support, and affirming workplaces that dismantle stigma and elevate ND visibility. Finally, theme five challenged rigid perceptions of midwifery, showing that systemic inflexibility—rather than neurodivergence itself—created barriers to inclusion. Participants called for more adaptable roles that prioritise contribution over conformity, supporting sustainability and diversity within the profession. Across all themes, participants consistently viewed their neurodivergence as an asset, particularly in relational care, but faced barriers rooted in ableist workplace norms. They proposed tailored accommodations to better support ND professionals in healthcare settings. This research offers novel insights into the lived experiences of ND kahu pōkai in Aotearoa, challenging neuro-normative assumptions and advocating for inclusive practices. The findings will inform educational and clinical frameworks to foster ND inclusion, visibility, and leadership across the kahu pōkai profession.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Midwifery

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Otago Polytechnic

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Taylor, Amy

• neurodivergence
• health care professionals
• midwives
• workforce inclusion
• autism
• ADHD

Statement dc:rights

• CC BY-NC-ND Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10652/7194

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchbank.ac.nz:10652/7194