Image Credit: www.starautism.org
The keys to employing autistic individuals, or anyone with a developmental disability, is to create a good match for that person’s skills and job abilities. It can be a challenge because if you’ve met one person with autism, the next person is likely to be completely different. The solution becomes setting up each person for success, regardless of any labels. Understanding an employer’s needs and an individual’s work strengths is what can make it a win-win situation for everyone.
Company Recruiting Efforts
In an effort to recruit more qualified job candidates with autism, recruiters are getting referrals from partner agencies, community outreach efforts, and recommendation through word-of-mouth. Some companies have even started providing training for managers and their staff to implement technology and training aids.
Harnessing the Skills of Autistic People
Companies that can harness the skills of people on the autism spectrum can strengthen their business and make it more competitive. It’s good for business, and it’s good for the social good. There are some with autism who show amazing skills in one or more domains, like math, music and art. They can even display amazing mechanical and spatial abilities. Some have amazing abilities to remember fact and figures. New studies reveal that 3 in 10 adults with autism may have special, standout skills. Previously, only 1 in 10 people with autism were believed to possess special skills.
Developing Unique Skills
There is growing awareness that people with autism seem to possess a disproportionate number of unique skills. A therapeutic specialist who completed an applied behavior analysis program online says research and training programs can help these people learn additional skills, like being able to communicate and engage on a higher social level.
Adults with Autism Can Thrive in the Workplace
While employees with autism may take a little longer to train, they’re good workers once they’re in the flow. In fact, many employers who hire autistic workers report they tend to thrive at work that requires attention to detail and following rules.
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is the study of how people’s brains conduct information differently. SAP, a global market leader in creating application software, revealed plans to hire 650 people with Asperger syndrome in a program to test and manage software. Similar projects are being tested in its Ireland and India offices. The autistic worker can sometimes spot software problems that others can’t. They also have increased boredom resistance, meaning they are typically more satisfied with repetitive tasks.
Hiring an autistic worker for your startup or small business can be beneficial, for both the individual who finds employment and their employer. For many companies, it’s not just a rush for a positive public image, as autistic workers tend be valuable and loyal employees.
Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer living in Boston. She writes on a variety of things, most often real estate and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading, rock climbing, and film noir. Twitter: @emmasturgis2
