Fostering sustainable career narratives with neurodivergent clients: introducing the Cluster Approach to the Development of Identity (CADI)

Purpose. This essay shows how the Cluster Approach to the Development of Identity (CADI) can help career practitioners build sustainable career narratives with neurodivergent clients.

Design/methodology/approach. A qualitative study pairing the author’s autoethnographic reflections as a neurodivergent framework developer with a case study of a practitioner working with a neurodivergent client, following the principle that neurodivergent people should have a voice in shaping the practices that affect them.

Findings. CADI helps neurodivergent clients identify working styles that suit their preferences and abilities, question limiting stereotypes through structured exploration of work environments and values, and develop adaptable career narratives.

Practical implications. Practitioners get concrete guidance on using CADI for career exploration and narrative building. The approach looks beyond interest matching to work preferences, environments and values.

Originality/value. The paper combines practitioner insight with the author’s lived experience to offer neurodiversity-affirming career development, helping clients thrive within and contribute to an inclusive and sustainable career ecosystem.