Make a connection: Talent on the autism spectrum and inclusive employers!

Make a connection: Talent on the autism spectrum and inclusive employers! 

Introduction: 

Work plays an essential role in most people's lives as a source of survival because it ensures financial security, establishes self-esteem, establishes social recognition, and influences overall well-being. It offers benefits that go beyond income.  

In spite of this, only a small percentage of neuro-diverse individuals have jobs, a fact that is especially troubling because most of them are able to and eager to work. If we look at one type of neurodiversity and consider the case of Persons on the Autism spectrum, despite the challenges they face, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have the capacity and desire to work.    

Autism: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 

One of the signs of Autism is social awkwardness, communication difficulties, and difficulties understanding others' feelings. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one out of every 54 children in the United States is on the autism spectrum.  

Reuters reports that 80% of people on the autism spectrum are either unemployed or severely underemployed around the world. Every year, a large group of people on the autism spectrum turn 18 and have many untapped capabilities.   

Among the talents and abilities of neurodiversity are logical reasoning and the ability to memorize and learn new material quickly.   

If employers identify and overcome potential problems and make adjustments to accommodate neurodiverse persons, they can reap the benefits of hiring neurodiverse talent. 

Inclusive training  

Employing persons on the spectrum also means offering them the training to complement their abilities, as well as preparing the company to maintain an inclusive atmosphere.  

For employees on the spectrum, it is critical that they receive on-the-job training in communication and interpersonal skills.  

Co-workers and managers can benefit from awareness training by better understanding their co-workers and ways to support them. Effective communication techniques are particularly important for supervisors. 

Employment opportunities  

Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of diversity in the development of new ideas. Neurodiversity is defined as a variety of thinking styles and talents and is particularly useful when making new decisions.   

Many major corporations, such as Microsoft, SAP, and HP Enterprise/DXC Technology (HPE/DXC), specifically recruit and train employees on the autism spectrum.  

Inclusion is the essence of neurodiversity in the workplace, which entails hiring neurodivergent individuals and creating opportunities for them to be seen on equal terms.   

With smart phones, smart TVs, and other smart devices, workplaces are becoming smarter as well, and neurodiversity enhances the functionality and inclusivity of any organization. Neurodivergent individuals can bring many benefits to any workplace. This includes unique perspectives that contribute to project and task success. Some of them, however, may need additional support in the workplace to overcome challenges and thrive.

Take a step ahead and go beyond 

Today, talent pools are often diversified by companies, so workspaces are smarter. At job fairs, autism-related programs are being held to raise awareness and foster inclusion. Furthermore, this is also a matter of company culture and dimensions of innovation since neurodiverse capabilities extend far beyond what we normally see or can do as normal people. Technological advancements at the workplace have transformed how people perceive the professional domain and how they interact with neurodiverse employees. When properly recognized, what appears to be a challenge may actually benefit the professional. 

About Empauwer

Empauwer is an AI-driven software, that enables companies to work effectively with neurodiverse talent. Currently, it is offered to organizations free for the first year.  If this is of interest, please reach out to farida.charania@empauwer.com.  More information at www.empauwer.com