World Autism Awareness Day: How India Inc can empower employees on the spectrum

The special children participate in drawing activities during the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day in Mumbai, India on 02 April 2019. Image: Himanshu Bhatt/NurPhoto via Getty Images

In India, an estimated 18 million individuals are believed to have autism. Statistics indicate that Autism Spectrum Disorder affects roughly 1 to 1.5 percent of children between 2 and 9 years. As we reflect on Autism Acceptance Month, it's essential to recognise that autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Rather, it's an umbrella term encompassing a wide spectrum of abilities and challenges. Each individual on the spectrum is unique, with their strengths, talents, and needs. Therefore, creating an inclusive workplace for autistic employees requires a nuanced approach to acknowledging and respecting this diversity.

As leaders, organisations must go beyond simply hiring neurodivergent individuals; they must strive to understand and accommodate their specific needs. This means recognising that what works for one person on the autism spectrum may not work for another. It requires flexibility, empathy, and a willingness to adapt. Moreover, creating an inclusive environment goes beyond making accommodations; it's about fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding. It's thus about recognising the value of diversity, embracing difference, and creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Celebrating the Strengths of Neurodivergent Talent

Many organisations are harnessing the potential of neurodivergent individuals and are making significant investments to bring them on board and create a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is no longer an empty slogan but a business decision that impacts the bottom line of organisations and the evolution of humans. The onus is on us as responsible organisations to empower every talent and set them up for success. Especially when it comes to creating the right environment, various aspects like building future skills, making the workplace more inclusive, and providing equal opportunities are considered.

Workshops and specialised career fairs offer opportunities to neurodivergent individuals to connect with employers who prioritise diversity and inclusivity in their hiring practices. Thus, it is essential to ensure that individuals on the autism spectrum bring their best selves to work and that all employees, not just managers or HR professionals, are educated on autism and neurodiversity. Training programs should be conducted to provide everyone with the knowledge and tools they need to interact with their neurodivergent colleagues.

Many companies are now also listing jobs crafted to prioritise skills and abilities over traditional qualifications. This aims to prevent the oversight of individuals with neurodivergent conditions due to unconventional backgrounds or experiences. Employers are now increasingly adopting personalised interview processes that accommodate the diverse needs of candidates. However, organisations must go beyond simply hiring neurodivergent individuals; they must strive to understand and accommodate their specific needs. They need to make sure neurodivergent employees are receiving adequate support to facilitate their integration into the workforce. It is important to assess and implement the necessary accommodations to create a conducive environment for them. For instance, buddy systems can help neurodivergent employees pair with experienced colleagues who can offer guidance in navigating the workplace environment. Additionally, companies should offer upskilling initiatives tailored to the strengths and abilities of neurodivergent talent to improve their skill sets further and help them adapt to business requirements.

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Another crucial aspect in ensuring inclusivity in an organisation is sensitising all employees to understand the unique needs of neurodivergent colleagues. Online knowledge centres and awareness workshops can help employees understand the challenges faced by individuals with neurodiverse conditions. Such initiatives will allow them to learn and appreciate the diverse strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to the team. Creating an inclusive environment goes beyond making accommodations; it's about fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding.

Every person out there desires a corporate culture that creates space for them and rewards strategic practices, policies, and behaviours that allow all people to not only bring their fullest sense of self to work each day but also lead out with their best contributions toward that company's mission, vision, and goals. It's the same for individuals with autism. It is imperative to acknowledge all forms of diversity and empower every single talent to bring their best selves to the workplace.

Towards an Inclusive Tomorrow

It should not be a privilege for anyone to be their authentic self at work or anywhere else. It is up to each one of us to create that environment of trust and acceptance so that our colleagues, friends, or just anyone around us can be their most authentic selves. It's important to embrace our differences, our unique strengths, and everything else that makes us beautifully unique—because this potpourri of ideas, experiences, and perspectives builds disruptive products and solutions. Through continued efforts by individuals and businesses, the aim is not only to create a more inclusive workplace but also to inspire others to recognise and embrace the potential of every individual. The world needs more kindness today—let's ensure we do our bit.

The writer is Executive Vice President, Customer Innovation Services, SAP; Managing Director, SAP Labs India; and Vice Chairperson, Nasscom.

The thoughts and opinions shared here are of the author.