The traits companies should start looking for
While autism is well known for being one of the fastest growing development disabilities, this article not only sheds light on its prevalence but also points out how this disability can represent a prized asset for companies.
What is ASD? Let’s look at data
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder characterized by challenges with social skills and interaction, difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, entailing also behavioral problems and narrow focus of interest (Autism Society).
Atlanta’s Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) – one of the most reliable sources of information in this field, among the first organizations engaged in data collection since the early 2000s – estimates that about 1% of the world population has ASD. In 2020, in the US roughly 18.5 per 1,000 of 8-year-olds (1 in 54 children) has been identified with ASD. A recent study of the EU-funded consortium Asdeu (2015), instead, has shown that in the EU the average prevalence is around 12,2 per 1,000 (1 in 89). Epidemiological analyses have been drawing attention to the increases in the number of diagnosis registered in the last years.
Education: develop your highest potential
As the rate of ASD diagnosis in children increases, also the number of students enrolled in institutions of higher education increases. Colleges and universities have found themselves facing new challenges so as to provide the needed tailored services. Autism Europe has launched the two-years “I can LEARN. I can WORK” campaign on World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, outlining key demands and catching media’s and EU policymakers’ attention.
Despite the absence of a specific medical treatment for autism’s symptoms, with appropriate educational and behavioral interventions, manifestations can be mitigated. Awareness of autism has grown over time as well as research efforts and both have contributed to the discovery of the best therapies possible which allow people with ASD to lead full lives and develop their highest potential.
As a matter of fact, for autistic adults to find regular and paid employment has progressively become simpler, in spite of the National Autism Indicators Report by Drexel University claiming that people affected by ASD are less likely than other disability groups to be employed.
Why is it an asset?
Through a gradual process of education of the business community, employers have finally become aware of the common strengths and peculiarities shared by people with autism, including attention to detail, commitment to quality and consistency, “out of the box” thinking, honesty, loyalty and tenacity. In particular, the technology sector has recognized the valuable contribution individuals with ASD can bring to businesses’ productivity and to organizations as a whole.
These qualities have been assessed by all those companies engaging in autism-specific hiring initiatives:
- EY’s Neurodiversity Centers of Excellence (NCoE): born in 2016 as a small pilot in a Philadelphia’s office, linked to SAP’s “Autism at Work” program, it is aimed at exploring neurodiversity.
- Ford Motor Company’s partnership in 2016 with Autism Alliance of Michigan for “FordInclusiveWorks” has brought an expansion to Ford’s work-experience programs.
- Microsoft’s “Autism Hiring People”, started in 2015 to increase the percentage of employees with disabilities, it wants to change the high unemployment and underemployment rates of autistic adults.
For more information:
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/companies-for-people-with-autism/
