The number of British Columbia citizens diagnosed as being somewhere on the autism spectrum is rising each year. While this is mainly due to a better understanding of the condition and doctors. Becoming more comfortable with accurately diagnosing autism rather than more actual cases of autism. It has big implications for the future of the province’s workforce. It’s estimated that currently 1 in every 60 children in British Columbia are diagnosed as being autism spectrum. This means that in 20 years’ time, there will be a similar percentage of adults looking for work with autism. It’s well documented that most companies are set up for neurotypical individuals. So as the number of neurodiverse workers slowly increases. Companies will need to work out how to accommodate and include autistic workers in their workforce.
Strengths of Autistic Employees
Many multinational corporations are starting to realize the unique strengths that autistic workers bring to the table. These include Microsoft, JP Morgan Chase, and Ford Motor to name but a few, and the trend to hire neurodiverse talent is making its way down the food chain. If you’re looking to get that next competitive edge like these behemoths, you’ll find that autistic employees have some great strengths you can tap into:
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Eye for detail –
many autistic people have great attention to detail. which gives them the ability to see inefficiencies and opportunities for growth in their chosen field. Many autistic people have a natural aptitude for art and music. Often find these two activities soothing as they can lose themselves in a project and not have to worry about social interactions.
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High concentration levels –
Another common trait across many autistic workers is the ability to maintain high concentration levels. Especially on tasks where there is a lot of repetition involved. This ability to focus helps them excel in office environments. Where they are able to work alone and at their own speed.
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Excellent data analysis –
finally, the natural high intelligence of many low support autistic workers makes them superb data analysts. This is due to their ability to spot patterns in complex data sets that neurotypical brains might not see, and this out-of-the-box thinking also helps them to problem solve old ideas in new ways.
The old saying goes that once you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one autistic person. The problem facing employers looking to hire autistic workers is that no two autistic workers will present with the same symptoms, so not all of these traits will come from just hiring one autistic employee.
Fields That Favor Autistic Workers
In theory, any company could make changes to its hiring and support structures to become more autism-friendly, but in reality, there are some fields that favor autistic workers more than others. Some of the most common fields where autistic workers find long term success include:
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IT –
the technology field continues to grow and expand exponentially every year. Meaning that there are more and more opportunities for autistic workers to find their niche. Many autistic computer employees find success in debugging work due to their ability to see patterns in complex data. As well as systems analysis which makes use of their out-of-the-box thinking.
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Accountancy –
any work that revolves around money and numbers will appeal to many low support autistic workers. It tends to work that completes independently without much need for social interaction. And the repetitive nature of bookkeeping and tax filing helps autistic workers tap into their extensive powers of concentration.
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Commercial art –
finally, there is always a need in marketing and development teams for creative artists. And many autistic workers who are more visual thinkers excel in these fields. They are able to couple their different world view with an ability to bring images and ideas to life. To become an integral part of any commercial art team.
The tricky part for any company in any field that is looking to make use of the unique skill sets that autistic employees bring to the table is the hiring process. The typical application and interview process is heavily biased against neurodiverse individuals, so many companies are starting to team up with autism talent management agencies to find their next new superstar. These agencies actively go out and seek autistic adults who are willing and ready for work, and train them up in both specific work skills as well as life skills that help them navigate the modern workplace and help them take their rightful places in society.
