Embracing Workplace Neurodiversity: World Autism Awareness Day

• Published date: 04 April 2024
• Subject Matter: Corporate/Commercial Law, Employment and HR, Discrimination, Disability & Sexual Harassment, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Law Firm: MLT Aikins LLP
• Author: MLT Aikins LLP

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. It's an opportunity to take a moment to reflect on how to better understand and embrace this form of neurodiversity in the workplace.

MLT Aikins Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) mission statement is "Cultivating an environment that celebrates and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion to attract and retain the best talent, drive innovation and better serve our clients."

What is autism?

Autism affects one in 50 Canadians. As with other forms of neurodiversity, it stems from a difference in how the brain develops and functions. For those with autism, these differences impact their ease and ability to engage in social communications and interactions, and how information related to the environment and people around them is perceived and processed. Autism is not a homogenous condition. It is a spectrum encompassing a diverse range of strengths, challenges, perspectives and experiences. Each autistic individual has unique skills, aptitudes and abilities.

Autism in the workplace

While the prevalence of autism diagnoses in Canada has been increasing over time, it is still an underestimate of the total number of Canadians who live with this identity. It does not include those who have yet to be diagnosed, especially adults. In particular, women may have a strong suspicion they are different but have learned to mask their symptoms when they work and interact with others.

Barriers to employment

Many people with autism face barriers to employment. In fact, it is estimated that 85% of adults with autism are either underemployed or unemployed. These barriers often relate more to challenges navigating the recruitment, candidate screening and job interview processes than to the actual talents and skills that autistic job seekers can bring to the workplace. Some characteristics seen among people with autism that can provide a competitive advantage in the workplace include a remarkable attention to detail, analytical prowess, logical reasoning and dedication to tasks they find meaningful.

Within the workplace, those with autism may encounter challenges related to day-to-day social interactions with co-workers, sensory sensitivities to light, sound and smell, and difficulty navigating the unspoken nuances of workplace dynamics. As a result, others within...