Employers Become Intentional About Adults with Autism in the Workplace
There has never been a more opportune time for adult employees on the autism spectrum in the workplace when it comes to employment. Some high-profile companies have taken the lead, and many others seek to be more inclusive. Coincidentally, neurodiversity falls squarely within corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Naturally, Direct Care Innovations praises neurodiversity efforts and supports workplace inclusion. At DCI, we provide business management solutions for those in the managed care space in all 50 states who serve those with intellectual disabilities.
High Profile Companies Commit to Neurodiversity
Companies actively recruiting those on the autism spectrum should understand that prospects may struggle to interpret social cues and emotional expressions correctly. To that end, the global accounting firm, Ernst and Young, provides a good example. In fact, they even devised an alternative interview process to accommodate potential employees. Instead of utilizing the traditional face-to-face interview, they employ a series of problem-solving tests. The tests demonstrate whether the candidate has the appropriate skills to perform the job rather than focus on the social and interpersonal communication component.
Ford, IBM, and Microsoft all actively pursue those living with intellectual disabilities, employing them in cybersecurity, software, research, testing, engineering, and more. Employees in the right role deliver results for the company, adding value in other ways.
Improve Unemployment, Attract Good Employees
In total, those with disabilities comprise nearly 15% of the population. However, some reports suggest more than 60% of U.S. adults with autism are unemployed. Unfortunately, that number doesn’t even consider those who work part-time but desire to do more. Adults with autism in the workplace perform highly complex functions that result in revenue for their employers. In turn, providing those with intellectual disabilities with meaningful employment provides them with benefits, too, such as:
- Developing their sense of autonomy and independence.
- Improving their skills, communication, and sense of worth.
- Contributing to their dignity as a person and member of society.
- Creating the opportunity for them to set goals, achieve them, and succeed.
- Providing benefits, such as health insurance, a retirement fund, and time off.
Hiring Adults with Autism in the Workplace
An employment opportunity may already exist within your organization. As we said earlier, many high-profile companies fill all types of jobs with adults with autism. The jobs include typical roles in different organizations filled by an adult with autism whose skills align. Other companies find success re-imagining job opportunities. For example, you may find it makes sense to carve out tasks from other roles and combine them into a new role. Whatever you land on, you create a job opportunity, which adds to the workforce in a meaningful way. Then, you fill it with an employee committed to success.
Are you a provider or government agency in the managed care space serving those with intellectual disabilities? DCI delivers EVV and business management solutions for organizations in all 50 states. Bundle scheduling, billing, and training into one easy-to-use platform or create custom workflows unique to your organization. Request a free demo or call (480) 295-3307 to learn more.