How You Can Help the Hiring of Adults on the Autism Spectrum
An estimated 1.5 million people in the US live with some form of autism, reports Diverse Ability Magazine. However, the combined under- and unemployment rate of young adults with autism is around 90%.
Behind these statistics are people with extraordinary skills, but who have few opportunities to use them. According to a study in the Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, people on the autism spectrum typically have strong visual skills and the ability to remain highly focused in certain situations. They are often highly intelligent, careful about details, have the ability to find patterns and anomalies in data, and are able to focus and perform high quality, repetitive tasks.
It is not a stereotype to say that people with autism can have amazing and enlightened talents. For example, some with autism are very artistic; some show increased memory skills; some are extremely adept at minute detail.
Autistic people have valuable skills to bring with them, especially when employers understand that neurodiversity is a strength, the Mighty reports. There is power to have different perspectives on each team, and that includes people from across the spectrum. While there can be challenges ironing out shelters that work for you, there are benefits for employers and autistic workers.
“We know that bringing together different perspectives and different mindsets leads to real innovation at work,” Lou Candiello, senior manager, Diversity Talent Acquisition, Dell Technologies, told Forbes. “That was a driving force behind our recruitment program for autism and the need to promote neurodiversity in the workplace.”
Employers across the country are increasingly hiring people with autism. According to a study in World Psychiatry, autism experts say this integration into the workplace is critical for people with autism to become independent and improve their own quality of life.
Some well-known employers who have developed employment programs for autism include Freddie Mac, Microsoft, SAP, Willis Towers Watson, and Walgreens, reports the International Board of Credentialling and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
In addition, 1.1 million computer-related jobs are expected by 2024, but graduation rates in the United States cannot keep up. Adults on the autism spectrum can provide much-needed help in this area.
“We have to think differently when it comes to attracting talent,” says Candiello.
Adults on the spectrum are often extremely capable of leading successful, fulfilling careers. The key is for employers to understand and recognize which positions highlight the neurodiverse person’s strengths.
“As the number of people diagnosed with autism grows, it becomes increasingly important for companies to understand how attitudes can deliver unprecedented value,” reports the IBCCES. This results in a very large population of adults on the spectrum who want to enter the labor market but who often have difficulty finding opportunities. “
Click below to sign the pledge to empower people with autism in the workplace!
Hire employees on the autism spectrum!
An estimated 1.5 million people in the US have some form of autism, but 90% of them are underemployed or completely unemployed.
Autistic people can bring valuable skills to the table, especially when employers understand that neurodiversity is a strength.
Sign the pledge and promote people with autism in the workplace!
