Welcoming Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Article from MHI Solutions Magazine
When considering your organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, is neurodiversity a part of those efforts? It’s estimated that up to 40% of neurodiverse adults are unemployed. That includes persons with certain neurological differences, including those with autism spectrum disorder—a neurological condition that affects social interaction and communication skills.
As the parent of a son on the spectrum, this is a topic in which I am greatly interested. Chances are, you also know a child or adult (or several) with autism, as the rate of diagnoses has grown over the last 20 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2023 statistics, 1 in 36 American children and 1 in 45 adults have autism.
With the continued workforce shortage impacting supply chains, an opportunity clearly exists. Yet, many organizations—even those with DEI initiatives—are unsure how to create a welcoming environment for autistic or other neurodiverse individuals. That’s why I was thrilled to hear more on this topic from Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech, and Scott Summerville, president and CEO of MHI member Mitsubishi Electric Automation.
