Neurodiversity at Work
Good Friend, Inc. is taking inclusion to the workplace!
Get ready for an inspiring training film showcasing the talent of neurodivergent employees from diverse industries. Good Friend, Inc. and Disability:IN Wisconsin are excited to spotlight the power of inclusion in this incredible project.
Employers need to be educated about how to attract, hire, retain and support neurodivergent workers. Good Friend’s Neurodiversity at Work training series addresses these topics with the aim of improving employment outcomes for neurodivergent people.
It is thought that between 15 to 20% of the global population identifies as neurodivergent, with estimates rising as more adults seek later in life diagnoses. Some sources indicate that up to 48% of the population is neurodivergent. About 3% of the population has autism. A shocking number of autistic and neurodivergent adults are un or underemployed, with only 1 out of 5 autistics realizing their full potential in the workplace. Autistic workers often cite the interview process as a major barrier to employment because accommodations are not likely afforded to job candidates.
In a 2023 survey of neurodivergent workers, 51% wanted to quit the jobs they currently hold because of a lack of support by their employer. Yet, when properly supported by employers, the productivity rates of autistic and neurodivergent workers are being reported as 30% higher than their neuromajority counterparts.
Employers that are embracing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging initiatives admit that they have been slow to bring people with disabilities to the table. Autism and many other neurodivergent diagnoses such as ADHD, sensory processing disorders and mental health conditions are non apparent disabilities, sometimes referred to as “invisible”. Non apparent disabilities need to be better understood by employers so that workers can receive reasonable accommodations, feel included and ultimately succeed.
Neurodiversity at Work was produced in collaboration with Disability:IN Wisconsin, a state chapter of the United States Disability:IN. Disability:IN Wisconsin offers participating employers resources for recruiting candidates with disabilities, information on disability issues/topics, recognition for best disability employment practices, and exposure to an untapped market for goods and services. As a non-profit, non-partisan business-to-business network, Disability:IN Wisconsin engages with businesses on critical disability issues, raises awareness and works to advance, improve and expand employment outcomes for people with disabilities in Wisconsin.
Neurodiversity at Work
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'Neurodiversity at Work' will help businesses better understand what neurodiversity is, why it's beneficial to their organization, and how to create a hiring process and working environment more inclusive of neurodivergent, specifically autistic, talent.
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•Assist in fostering a positive, inclusive environment where diversity initiatives are celebrated and employees better understand the concept of neurodiversity.
•Educate employees on the various dynamics of autistic individuals and demonstrate how employees can break various stereotypes associated with autism.
•Demonstrate various accommodations that can be implemented in the workplace to help neurodivergent individuals succeed in job performance, workplace social dynamics, and communication.
•Illustrate how hiring neurodivergent individuals can positively impact a company at each stage of the employee lifecycle.
Check out the trailer and some behind the scenes footage!
Neurodiversity at Work Supporting Partners
The program was made possible by the following organizations:
