A Guide to Autism in the Workplace, Best Practices for Accommodating Autistic Employees

Being neurodivergent means having a brain that functions differently than the dominant societal standards of "normal." Technology isn't the only field that can benefit from people with ASD. Microsoft launched an Autism Program to specifically hire individuals with autism. Things like being a team player or great communication skills don't highlight what an autistic person can add to a company. While there are many benefits to hiring people with autism, the interviewing process can often be a stopping block. Many people with autism report that they aren't able to get a job because they don't interview well. For many, the interview process was the part that was most stressful. Roughly 60% of people with ASD have average or above average intelligence, yet 85% are unemployed" an article published by Harvard Business Review called Neurodiversity as a Competitive Advantage. Some people with ASD are a natural fit in the tech world. People on the autism spectrum exhibit signs and symptoms differently. The social aspect of employment is often the most difficult for people with autism. Some people on the spectrum do something called "masking" or "camouflaging." This essentially means that they do their best to pretend they're not autistic in order to fit in. Autism in the Workplace explains how to create a productive environment for an Autistic Employee, how to make modifications, how to successfully interview people with ASD, and provides simple changes to accommodate ASD employees.