Neurodivergent Salary Negotiation: How to Advocate for Your Worth (With Scripts & Tips)

Step 1: Research Your Worth (Before the Conversation)

💡Question “What’s a fair salary for an autistic software engineer in London?”
✅ Action steps:

• Check Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn Salary for your role + location.

• Ask peers (anonymously in neurodivergent forums if needed).

• Write down a target range (e.g., “$85K–$95K based on market data”).

Step 2: Script Your Talking Points

💡 Question: “I’ll blank when asked about salary expectations.”
✅ Solution: Prepare exact phrases like:

• “Based on my research, the market range for this role is [$X–$Y]. Does that align with your budget?”

• “Here’s how my skills directly address the job’s challenges…” [Give 1–2 examples.]

Step 3: Choose the Right Negotiation Format

💡 Question: “Should I negotiate in person, over Zoom, or by email?”
✅ Pick what works for YOU:

• Email → Best if you need time to process.

• Zoom → Helps if you rely on visual cues.

• In-person → Only if you’re comfortable with live feedback.

Step 4: Frame Accommodations as Win-Wins

💡 Question: “Will asking for remote work lower my offer?”
✅ Try this instead:

• “I’ve found I deliver my best work in a quiet environment—could we discuss hybrid options?”

• “Written follow-ups help me process details accurately. Would that work for you?”

Step 5: Plan for Pushback

💡 Fear: “What if they say no?”
✅ Prepare alternatives:

• If salary is non-negotiable: Ask about bonuses, extra PTO, or a 6-month review.

• If they resist accommodations: Say, “These adjustments help me perform at my best—how can we make this work?”