Posted on March 16, 2018 by adamster82

I think things have come a long way for the rights of neurodiverse people since the time I was a mere school kid. Really, I do. I was not even aware of my status amongst this tribe of atypical individuals back in the 90s. But I think we have a long way still to go as a society.

I don’t have a great deal to complain about at the moment. I am currently employed. I was a successful applicant in the first recruitment drive for autistic people in the Victorian state government. I have been lucky, and I have a lot to thank my lucky stars for. But I am aware that many people like myself have not been so blessed with good fortune, and I realise things desperately need to change. I hope the programme I participated in sets a precedent. I hope it is the first of many such initiatives in this country. And around the world. It should set an example to other departments in the Victorian government , and to the departments in other states , also.

These programmes are fantastic, and necessary, but they should have happened a long time ago. I believe serious social reform is in order. We need to reshape the way companies hire, and to help them rethink the way they consider applicants. I want the workforce to be more considerate towards those on the neurodivergent spectrum, basically. This is my goal.

I wasn’t always so fortunate. I finally had a good run of luck, after a decade or more of career dead ends, fruitless job interviews, unsympathetic and ill informed workplaces, and frustration. I know what it’s like from the other side. I want to be right there on the frontline making the workforce a much friendlier place for the atypicals of the world

This is not the end, this is just the beginning.

More from Adam at https://domester82.wordpress.com/2018/03/16/autism-in-the-workforce/