COMMUNICATION, ABILITISM AND MENTAL HEALTH: THE ROOTS OF PROFESSIONAL BURNOUT IN NEURODIVERGENT AND DISABLED PEOPLE IN THE BRAZILIAN CORPORATE CONTEXT

Abstract

This article provides a theoretical analysis of how institutional communication and organizational practices in Brazilian corporations contribute to mental illness and burnout among neurodivergent workers and people with disabilities (PwD). Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as an interpretative method, the study investigates how discourses on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) fail to address the specificities of these groups, generating symbolic erasure and reinforcing structural ableism. The analysis indicates that the lack of communication and sensory adaptations, combined with the occurrence of microaggressions and invisible barriers, exposes these professionals to a hostile work environment, compromising their well-being and increasing the risk of mental illness. It is concluded that corporate communication acts as a social determinant of health, being crucial for promoting more equitable environments and reducing health inequalities.