Supporting Neurodiverse Employees TAILORED RECRUITMENT PROCESSES Adjusting recruitment processes to be more inclusive can help neurodiverse candidates showcase their strengths. This may involve offering alternative ways to demonstrate skills beyond traditional interviews, such as practical assessments or work trials. WORKPLACE ACCOMMODATIONS Providing necessary accommodations is key to helping neurodiverse employees thrive. This can include flexible work schedules, quiet workspaces, and clear, concise instructions. Small adjustments can make a significant difference in an employee’s productivity and comfort. TRAINING & ACCEPTANCE Implementing training programs for staff to increase awareness and understanding of neurodiversity can foster a more supportive and inclusive work environment. Educating all employees about the benefits and needs of neurodiverse colleagues ensures a cohesive and collaborative team dynamic. Autism Action Partnership’s Prosper Workforce Services Autism Action Partnership (AAP) is dedicated to creating employment opportunities for individuals with autism. AAP’s Prosper Workforce Services program focuses on workforce development and provides vital support to both job seekers and employers. CUSTOMIZED JOB MATCHING Prosper Workforce Services works closely with employers to match job seekers with autism to roles that fit their skills and interests. This personalized approach ensures that candidates are placed in positions where they can excel. A PWS participant shared his experience working alongside program staff. “When I first started my job, I was not working as efficiently as I could have been and PWS came in and helped me develop more efficient ways of doing the tasks at hand.” WORKPLACE READINESS TRAINING PWS offers one-on-one coaching and group training to help individuals with autism develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace, including communication, social, and technical skills. This preparation is crucial for smooth integration into the workforce. ONGOING SUPPORT Prosper Workforce Services provides continuous support to both employees and employers to ensure successful integration and job retention. This includes job coaching and mentoring, helping to address any challenges that arise. EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIPS AAP collaborates with employers to create more inclusive hiring practices and provide guidance on how to effectively support neurodiverse employees. These partnerships are essential for building inclusive workplaces that benefit from diverse talent. From CPA firms to labs to daycare centers, PWS finds fulfillment in addressing the needs of both job seekers and employers in our community. “We recently had PWS do an internal team training that taught our employees about neurodiverse individuals and their unique perspective on the world and workplace,” said Shameah Sayed with AuditMiner. “Within AuditMiner, we’ve been able to embrace a diverse range of thinking styles, which in turn has helped drive innovation and foster a more inclusive workplace culture.” By considering neurodiverse employees, CPA firms can gain a competitive edge, improve workplace culture, and contribute to a more inclusive society. Programs like Autism Action Partnership’s Prosper Workforce Services offer essential support, making it easier for firms to integrate and benefit from the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals. Embracing neurodiversity is not just a socially responsible choice but a strategic business decision that can drive innovation and success in the accounting profession. Katie Ping is the development and communication manager for the Autism Action Partnership. You may reach her at (402) 763-8830 or kping@autismaction.org. By considering neurodiverse candidates, firms can tap into a largely underutilized talent pool, addressing skill shortages and enhancing workforce capability. 19 nescpa.org
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