Companies are hiring people with autism for artificial intelligence jobs, The Wall Street Journal is reporting.
The newspaper said officials from several companies noted that autistic workers are often hyper-focused, highly analytical thinkers. They also have an exceptional proficiency for technology, they point out.
Ernst & Young LLP, Credit Suisse Group AG, Dell Technologies Inc., Microsoft Corp., DXC Technology Co. and other firms are hiring autistic applicants through neurodiversity programs.
And EY, a professional services company, is advising a dozen Fortune 500 companies on launching similar programs, the newspaper said.
The Journal pointed out that there is high demand for workers with skills in AI. And many autistic adults lack jobs.
“Autistic individuals really are a solution for employers who are looking for highly skilled analytical individuals for certain jobs,” said Marcia Scheiner, who heads Integrate Autism Employment Advisors.
She estimates about 45 U.S. companies have set up such programs.
Scheiner noted that people with autism can be socially awkward and said companies have to make adjustments. As a result, some companies don’t put applicants through an interview process. Instead, they opt to put them through performance assessments.
Credit Suisse, which started a neurodiversity hiring program at its Research Triangle Park Facility in North Carolina, has hired two autistic employees in the last nine months and is about to hire another one, according to the Journal. In addition, it has seven going through an apprenticeship program.
“They work intensely,” said Rosemary Lissenden, an IT director with Credit Suisse. “Their brains like that sort of work and they don’t get tired.”
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