World Autism Day

Today promotes awareness and understanding about autism. According to the National Autism Association: 

• Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3
• Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities

Because of these impacts, people with autism are provided protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Department of Labor has funded an employer resource, the Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN), to build inclusive workplace cultures. EARN provides suggestions on interviewing, hiring, and accommodating people with neurodiversity. They offer a section on  Neurodiversity in the Workplace (askearn.org).  It covers benefits to the employer for hiring people with autism.

For more information on autism, visit: National Autism Association | Providing real help and hope for the autism community since 2003.