Auticon, an information technology consulting firm that works with companies to promote neurodiverse hiring, organized a networking event in Columbus, Ohio, attended by over a hundred people. The organization has joined hands with top companies such as Nationwide Insurance, CoverMyMeds, etc., to help train autistic adults as they embark on their employment journey.
Over 85% of people with autism are underemployed or unemployed in mainstream jobs. This event emphasized the unique skill sets possessed by autistic adults like being very detail-oriented and precise – an asset that can prove to be valuable for tech organizations.
Speaking of the event and what it entails for autistic youth looking for mainstream jobs, David Aspinall, CEO of Auticon U.S. said, “The next step after that is they will submit an official application, and they’ll go through a process and will match them with the opportunities that we have here in Columbus.” Auticon will also support these individuals with onboarding by training and coaching them as well as the project managers, even after they get placed.
Ian Corbett, an alumnus of Auticon’s neurodiverse hiring and training program who now works at Nationwide, speaks highly of this initiative. He said, “I had not taken online classes before the training program. But I learned a lot and it helped me learn some new skills and solidify skills I already gained.”
With this initiative, Auticon hopes to get at least 50 autistic adults at various positions in the tech sector over the next couple of years.