FPA Launches Community To Support Neurodivergent Financial Planners

DENVER — To welcome and support the learning and thinking differences of neurodiverse financial planners, the Financial Planning Association announced the launch of a new community specifically for neurodivergent financial planners. The FPA Neurodivergent Planner Knowledge Circle will provide a community for neurodiverse planners, those hiring or supervising neurodiverse individuals, and those serving neurodiverse individuals to share resources, insights, and best practices.

 

“FPA is proud to embrace the wonderful diversity of our profession, which makes our community strong and vibrant,” says FPA CEO Patrick D. Mahoney. “I am pleased FPA is helping lead the way in supporting this underserved community of planners to advance the diversity of thought, talent, and new financial planning approaches in the profession.”

 

FPA Diversity & Inclusion Committee member Andrew Komarow, MSFS, CFP®, AEP® AIF® BFA™ CAP® CASL® CHFC® ChSNC® CLU® FSCP® REBC® RHU® RICP® WMCP®, leads the FPA Neurodivergent Planner Knowledge Circle. Knowledge Circle participants will explore the needs of neurodivergent financial planners who may have thinking or learning variations, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, and Tourette Syndrome. Planned Knowledge Circle discussions will focus on reframing employment, benefits, and accommodations to best serve the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. The community will explore additional educational initiatives and content over the coming months.

 

Participation in the Knowledge Circle is open to all FPA members, including those who may not identify as neurodivergent but want to learn about this community or how to support neurodivergent clients.

 

“Neurodivergent individuals think differently, not less. Hiring Neurodiverse is not charity work, we hire the best people for the job, and many happen to be neurodiverse. With one in five individuals in the country being neurodivergent, it stands to reason that many advisers and clients are neurodivergent whether or not they know it or disclose it,” said Komarow, who was recently named by InvestmentNews as a 2021 Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion award honoree.

 

FPA Knowledge Circles, comprised of 15 online community groups, encourage financial professionals to coalesce around shared interests and connect globally with peers.