Neurodiverse Solutions

How to build a successful neurodiversity employment program

Three steps to help organizations improve their hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts to build an innovative and productive workforce.

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A neurodiverse workplace is a workplace that embraces individuals with neurodiverse conditions—conditions that differ slightly in the way we learn, process information, and work. It regards these differences not just as part of normal variation in the human population but as a workplace advantage in terms of productivity and innovation.

Neurodiversity in the workplace is not just a nice to have, it’s a value add. There is a strong track record that shows how neurodivergent capabilities contribute to business value. Typically, when neurodiverse teams are measured against neurotypical teams, neurodiverse teams exceed expectations. Time and time again, neurodivergent individuals who are given the support they need for job roles show they can be more productive, more efficient, and less distracted than their neurotypical peers.

Most people, when they hear the evidence, become quick believers in the idea of neurodiversity in the workplace. Many become quite passionate. The challenge comes in the doing. Companies across the country are asking how do we get from believing in the idea of neurodiverse employment to executing a plan that will be successful?

At CAI, we know that the essential component of any neurodiversity program is the framework of support. We think of it as a “success infrastructure.” For most organizations, building a neurodiverse workplace requires a change in perspectives. To help individuals excel at their jobs, shift the culture of the workplace, and sustain a healthy neurodiversity program for the long term, employers have to incorporate three key steps.

3 steps to build a successful and inclusive neurodiversity employment program

Step 1. Building the business case

Get buy-in from senior leadership. In the case of building a neurodiverse workforce, almost every successful program has behind it a senior leader who is willing and able—and who has the authority—to influence other executives and to introduce change.

Identify program champions. It is important to identify individuals with the vision, aptitude, and desire to facilitate adoption of your neurodiversity program.

Research programs that have succeeded elsewhere. Companies that have already gone down this path are great resources. CAI offers a fully managed service built on providing expertise and ongoing support that can help you build a program from the ground up.

Step 2. Acquiring neurodiverse talent

Understand where to get talent. Outreach and recruiting are key components to neurodiversity hiring. Knowing where and how to connect with individuals is crucial to the overall success of your neurodiversity program.

Think differently about the interview process. Nothing does more to help neurodivergent individuals reduce anxiety, demonstrate their skills, and express themselves appropriately than creating a non-threatening environment where they can show their talents.

Put the people in the right positions. You will need to understand the strengths and support requirements of each individual. A robust and proven assessment process is a necessity. Success depends on matching individuals with the best positions suited for them and your organizational needs.

Step 3. Creating a neurodiverse-friendly workplace

Use onboarding as a time to make your neurodivergent team members comfortable and productive. The goal is for your neurodivergent employees to bring their authentic selves to work. Consider checklists for certain roles, tasks, and or project flowcharts so there is minimal ambiguity in how to accomplish what is being asked.

Provide awareness training across the organization. To create true culture change, clearly communicate the goals of the program and show progress. Communicate the gains in productivity and culture so teams across the organization can understand and appreciate the new direction.

Remember this work is for the entire organization. A successful neurodiversity program provides training and education for new candidates but also for colleagues, recruiters, managers, and senior leaders. Get everyone on board for neurodiverse employment.

Matching qualified talent to solve business needs

Multiple sources estimate that over 1 billion individuals identify as being neurodivergent, (examples include autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, ADHD, and other neurodiverse conditions). Unemployment for neurodivergent adults runs at least as high as 30 – 40%.1 Employers cannot afford to overlook this talented population. CAI Neurodiverse Solutions has helped numerous organizations build a neurodiversity employment program to match qualified talent to solve business needs.


Endnotes

  1. Carrero, Yesenia. “The Center for Neurodiversity and Employment.” Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. UCONN, September 29, 2021. https://entrepreneurship.uconn.edu/neurodiversitycenter/.

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