When Robia Rashid’s ‘Atypical’ made it to screens, it garnered applause for depicting the struggles and discrimination faced by protagonist Sam Gardener (Keir Gilchrist) who has Autism Spectrum Disorder. The ground realities aren’t too different. 

As of 2021, a staggering 75 million people worldwide amounting to roughly 1% of the global population was estimated to be autistic with 1 in 100 children diagnosed with the disorder. Despite the unique needs of people who fall within the neurodivergent spectrum, they continue to make significant contributions to society demonstrating time and again that their condition is not a hindrance to their talents or potential. 

Wired Differently: Exploring the Atypical Brain

There’s a long list of stars in the scientific world like Thomas Edison, Alan Turing, Isaac Newton, Bram Cohen, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and Bill Gates who are blessed with what society has often deemed ‘abnormal,’ i.e., the neurodiversity spectrum. Despite the notion that neurodivergent individuals are inferior due to their differences, studies have shown that they have the unique advantage in their ability to think differently from the norm. In particular, neurodiverse individuals are found to be 30% more productive in software-related roles.

For example, research on college students with autism showed that they are more likely to major in STEM fields (34.31%) compared to other differently abled groups. Additionally, companies that hire individuals with autism have been found to achieve better financial results than other companies in the same sample. According to a study conducted by Accenture, these companies generated 28% higher revenue, twice the net income, and 30% higher profit margins on average. This suggests that individuals with ASD are an untapped source of STEM talent that can bring significant benefits to their employers.

Read more: Indian Tech is Still Oblivious to Gender Inclusivity

The Untapped Talent Pool

Unfortunately, the employment rate for individuals with autism stands at only 21.7% with most performing menial tasks that do not match their skills while others are still searching for suitable employment.

“Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a disease. Society lacks a deep understanding of autism and traditional workplaces were not designed to accommodate individuals with different abilities, especially those with autism as they require special attention and understanding that was not taken into account, even at a subconscious level,“ Shruti Tandon, Managing Director, People Enablement at Nagarro told AIM. 

At times, people who are neurodiverse may demonstrate challenging behaviour. However, these difficulties can be handled with appropriate accommodations so the potential rewards can be substantial. Nevertheless, for companies to fully benefit from this diverse talent pool, they need to modify their hiring, screening, and professional growth practices to encompass a fuller understanding of skill and ability.

Along the same lines, Aditya Malik, Founder and CEO of HRTech company, ValueMatrix.ai told AIM that despite being highly intelligent, diligent and capable of creative thinking, many employers dismiss autistic individuals due to their social difficulties and lack of comfort in interacting with others, particularly in the IT sector. “However, some technology companies are changing this by utilising advanced AI in their recruitment process, which is free of bias and capable of identifying talented individuals, regardless of their disabilities. These companies not only recruit individuals with autism but also offer them the necessary support throughout their employment,” he added.

Read more: Is Age Discrimination in Tech for Real?

Several major tech companies like Microsoft, IBM, Wells Fargo, SAP, HP, Accenture, JP Morgan & Chase and Nagarro have implemented programs to support and employ neurodivergent individuals. Nagarro launched TestingPro in India, a product that trains people with autism to become software testers. Microsoft has established the “Autism Hiring Program” to hire individuals on the autism spectrum and provide resources for these employees. SAP’s “Autism at Work” program creates job opportunities for people with autism and other cognitive abilities. IBM’s “Neurodiversity Program” offers support and accommodations for neurodivergent employees, while HP’s “Dandelion Program” provides employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum and others with cognitive differences.

Better Late than Never

Neurodiverse minds have skills that society often overlooks, devalues and even pathologises. Yet, it is precisely in these so-called “disadvantages” that neurodivergent individuals find their greatness. To continue to view neurodiversity as a disadvantage and dysfunction is to deny ourselves the opportunity to tap into the vast potential that these individuals offer. 

So, if you think that it is still not time for the same society to embrace and celebrate neurodiversity as a valuable asset rather than a hindrance, you are disadvantaged.

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