Organizations and corporate bodies around the world have woken up to the need for having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Such diversity in the talent pool facilitates the generation of new ideas and the effective implementation of corporate policies and solutions. It helps infuse new ideas into the traditional corporate structure, breathing new life into a struggling or stagnant business enterprise.
Finding the right career is never easy for anybody. However, until very recently, it had been doubly hard for individuals on the autism spectrum. Persons with autism spectrum disorders often found it hard to land the jobs of their choice because of issues with communication, interpersonal relationships, and other social and cognitive differences.
Corporations, for a long time, have been unable to effectively incorporate differently-abled individuals into the workforce and properly utilize their unique skills and talents. However, the situation is changing rapidly and those diagnosed with autism are being actively sought out for recruitment by major corporations around the world.
An Opportunity to Showcase Diverse Talents
The job market has evolved to allow individuals with autism spectrum disorders to find fulfilling and promising careers in line with their passions and interests. And the corporate sector is playing an important role in bringing about this much-needed change. The growing acceptance of neurodiversity in the corporate world has led to a rise in the productivity and effectiveness of the workforce, as more and more people are being empowered to find roles and positions for which they are uniquely suited. Human resource experts around the world agree that this is a positive development that will help enhance profitability and sustainability for companies in the long run.
Large corporations such as Microsoft, SAP, and Ernst and Young have spearheaded the initiative to provide rewarding and growth-oriented career opportunities to autistic individuals around the world. Such opportunities are provided after a thorough analysis and evaluation of the unique abilities, talents, and aptitude of the job-seeker.
The stereotypes, preconceived notions, and general lack of awareness that had earlier prevented talented individuals on the autism spectrum from finding their foothold in the corporate world are now on their way out. Organizations and companies around the world have now begun to make a real effort to create a level playing field for diverse individuals with a variety of skills, talents, and cognitive advantages.
Reasons for the Growing Acceptance of Autism in the Corporate World
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Awareness: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, leading to increased awareness. The efforts of nonprofits, government bodies, and medical professionals have paid off, and many alternative therapies as well as mainstream treatment options have emerged for autism and related conditions. This increase in awareness and the many medical interventions now available have made it possible for corporate bodies to bring about a change in their hiring practices.
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Diagnosis: The number of people diagnosed with autism has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Part of the reason for this is that medical professionals now have a much broader and more comprehensive diagnostic criteria for ASD. A wide range of individuals, with a variety of skills and abilities, have now been diagnosed with ASD and corporates have hence realized the immense value that these individuals can add to the business world.
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Skills: The modern, technology-driven workplace has an increased need for employees with the talents, aptitude, and skills sets commonly found among autistic individuals. Persons living with autism are known for following strict routines and having higher-than-average attention for detail – qualities that can make them perfect for certain corporate roles. They also often have outstanding mathematical and technical abilities, which can make them effective problem solvers in a variety of industries.
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Aptitude: Many experts have also suggested that the repetitive behavioral patterns often exhibited by those on the autism spectrum might make them ideal for certain roles in the corporate sector. A high level of comfort for repetitive activities and a reduced need for novelty can make autistic individuals perfectly suited to certain types of jobs, especially in accounting, book-keeping, and maintenance, allowing them to thrive and grow in these roles aided by their unique skills.
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Communication: The advancements in communication technology and the advent of the Internet has ensured that working from home is a viable long-term option for employees who might find it hard to commute to the office every day. These developments too have made it possible for autistic individuals to find jobs that are uniquely suited to their needs, without having to leave the safety and comfort of their home.
Despite the strides taken by the corporate world, research suggests that numerous individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders still find it difficult to land high-paying and fulfilling jobs, despite having all the requisite skills are qualifications. Hence, much work still remains to be done in this sphere for the empowerment of autistic persons in the corporate world to be complete and sustainable.