Welcoming autism into the workplace

Summary

The video highlights the challenges autistic adults face in the job market, like Christopher Paul, a computer science graduate who applied to hundreds of jobs without success. Struggling with social skills, Christopher found hope through Microsoft's autism hiring program, which focuses on skills rather than traditional interviews. The video showcases how companies like Microsoft and SAP are pioneering inclusive hiring processes, helping autistic individuals like Christopher thrive in roles that match their strengths. With guidance, mentorship, and understanding, these companies are redefining what it means to be a valuable employee, giving hope to many in the autism community.

Takeaways

• 💼 Christopher Paul, a 27-year-old with a degree in computer science, struggled for two years to find a job despite applying to over 600 positions.
• 🧠 Christopher is autistic, and while he excels in skills like pattern recognition and attention to detail, traditional job interviews focused on social skills were a major barrier.
• 🤝 Microsoft recognized the untapped potential in the autistic community and developed a specialized hiring program in 2015 to bring in candidates with autism.
• 🎯 This program emphasizes team-building exercises and hands-on problem-solving tasks, instead of traditional interviews, to better assess candidates' abilities.
• 👨‍💻 Christopher was hired as a software engineer at Microsoft after participating in their unconventional vetting process, where his unique problem-solving skills were quickly noticed.
• 🏢 Many large companies like SAP, JP Morgan, and Ford are adopting similar programs to employ more autistic adults, acknowledging that they can excel in a wide range of roles.
• 🎓 Gloria Mendoza, another success story, overcame social challenges and after many job rejections, found a role at SAP in their Autism at Work program. She holds degrees in music and computer science.
• 👥 These companies often provide mentors and supportive communities for autistic employees, which helps with retention rates and fosters a positive work environment.
• 🎮 Autistic employees at SAP and Microsoft report feeling more accepted and appreciated for their talents, which has helped them thrive both professionally and personally.
• 🌟 Christopher's message to others with autism is to not give up and to always aim high, emphasizing that opportunities can come when you least expect them.

Q & A

Who is Christopher Paul, and what challenge was he facing?

Christopher Paul is a 27-year-old with a degree in computer science from California Polytechnic State University. He struggled to find a job for two years, despite applying to over 600 positions. His challenge was exacerbated by his autism, which affected his social and communication skills.

How did Christopher’s autism impact his job search?

Christopher’s autism made social and communication skills difficult, which negatively impacted his performance in job interviews. Although he had strong technical abilities and attention to detail, he found it challenging to convey his skills during traditional interviews.

How did Microsoft approach hiring candidates with autism, and what was different about their process?

Microsoft developed a hiring program specifically aimed at individuals with autism, launched in 2015. Instead of relying heavily on traditional job interviews that emphasize social skills, they used team-building exercises like the 'marshmallow challenge' to observe candidates in action without making them feel self-conscious. This allowed Microsoft to better assess their capabilities.

What role does Jenny Lafleur E play at Microsoft, and what was her perspective on hiring people with disabilities?

Jenny Lafleur E is Microsoft's Chief Accessibility Officer. She emphasized that people with disabilities, including autism, are a source of untapped talent. She believes that people with disabilities can bring unique strengths and insights to the company and sees their inclusion as a business imperative.

What skills did Christopher Paul showcase that helped him succeed at Microsoft?

Christopher Paul demonstrated strong pattern recognition and acute attention to detail, skills often associated with autism. His ability to think creatively and offer new perspectives made him a valuable asset to the Microsoft team, especially when solving complex problems.

What is SAP’s 'Autism at Work' program, and what are its goals?

SAP's 'Autism at Work' program was designed to hire and support people on the autism spectrum. Launched five years ago, the program has hired 140 people, with the goal of hiring over 600. SAP discovered that individuals with autism can excel in a wide range of roles, not just those traditionally associated with their skills.

How has the perception of autistic employees’ capabilities changed at companies like SAP?

Initially, companies like SAP thought people with autism would excel only in certain types of jobs. However, they quickly realized that these employees could succeed in a wide variety of roles, ranging from history and literature to cybersecurity and graphic design.

Who is Gloria Mendoza, and how did she overcome her challenges?

Gloria Mendoza is a 26-year-old woman with autism who earned two degrees from Gettysburg College in music and computer science. Despite early concerns about her future, she overcame her social challenges through years of speech and occupational therapy and found a job at SAP. She now works in digital business services, where she interacts with customers directly.

How do companies like SAP and Microsoft support their autistic employees after hiring them?

Both SAP and Microsoft provide mentorship programs for their autistic employees. These mentors help guide the employees in their work and social interactions, creating a supportive environment. For example, Gloria Mendoza at SAP has a mentor who helps her navigate her work and social life at the company.

What advice does Christopher Paul offer to others with autism who are struggling to find employment?

Christopher Paul encourages others with autism not to give up and to aim high. He advises them to keep trying and to 'shoot for the stars,' as they may achieve more than they initially imagined.