Asperger Syndrome Training & Employment Partnership

Transcription

1 Asperger Syndrome Training & Employment Partnership GettingHired Advisory Council March 12, 2013

2 Hidden disabilities in the workplace Why are they important? - 3 5% of the current and potential workforce has ADD/ADHD* - Nearly 10% of the current and potential workforce has a learning disability** - About 1 in 5 adults has a diagnosable psychiatric disability in any given year* - 1 in 88 individuals (1 in 54 boys) are diagnosed on the autism spectrum - Depression is now the second leading cause of absence from workplace** *Low, Keith. Prevalence of ADBH: What are the Numbers? U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Dec 27, **Maja Altarac, MD, PhD and Ekta Saroha, MA. Lifetime Prevalence of Learning Disability. PEDIATRICS Vol. 119 Supplement February 2007, pp. S77-S83.

3 What is ASTEP? An employer focused non-profit that promotes competitive long-term employment for individuals with Asperger Syndrome/high functioning autism by working with employers to: Educate Recruit Retain

4 What is Asperger Syndrome? Asperger's Syndrome is a developmental disorder within the autism spectrum that affects a person's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others. Most individuals with Asperger s Syndrome: Exhibit social awkwardness Have an all-absorbing interest in specific topics Have average to above-average IQs

5 And why focus on Asperger s now? Growth in a highly educated, often technical, segment of the population An untapped workforce 80% unemployment rate - characterized by focus, loyalty and high productivity A significant market share over 3.5% of the total U.S. population touched by autism that can be issue sensitive customers 1 in 88?

6 GOOD NEWS Most employers know about Asperger Syndrome and are interested in learning about how to accommodate individuals with Asperger s in their workplace. BAD NEWS Most companies believe they are unprepared to integrate individuals with Asperger s into their workplace and have no real understanding of the capabilities of individuals on the spectrum.

7 Employees with Hidden Disabilities Undiagnosed Diagnosed but undisclosed Diagnosed and disclosed How do we get this group to disclose and why?

8 What does an employer need to do? Tap into each individual s strengths Learn about the potential challenges Understand the possible accommodations Revisit traditional hiring practices Create an inclusive culture

9 Possible strengths of Asperger s Honesty Loyalty Accuracy and attention to detail High level of technical ability Good concentration on routines and procedures Memory for facts and figures Logical approach to tasks

10 Possible challenges of Asperger s Social interactions Executive function challenges Intense focus on limited interests Literal-mindedness Inflexibility Facial recognition Anxiety Sensory challenges

11 Possible Accommodations for those with Asperger s Clear communication write it down Detailed job descriptions Modified interview process Flexible work hours Mentoring Lighting/work space adjustments

12 ASTEP s Corporate Lecture Series The Attendees 2 women, 9 men 3 in college 1 with Master s degree Various fields of study, including math, accounting, engineering, history, computer science and library science The Companies PricewaterhouseCoopers NYSE Thomson Reuters TIAA-CREF Barclays Capital Tishman Construction Goals: Demystify Asperger Syndrome for the employers Educate the employers on the capabilities of individuals with Asperger s Educate the attendees on the job search process Provide access to potential employees for the employers Provide access to potential employers for the attendees

13 It s all about how you communicate Source: Employing People with Asperger Syndrome: A Practical Guide

14 Thank you for listening and feel free to contact me