Neurodiverse Job-Seekers and Employees

Stanford Neurodiversity Project’s NaW program aims to maximize the potential of individuals on the autism spectrum by encouraging them to utilize their strengths and interests and facilitating the connection with employers who embrace the value of neurodiversity.

The employment disparity among ASD individuals negatively impacts youth and adults within the population on vocational, economical, and social levels. It has also limited their access to opportunities that are vital to the flourishing and well-being of adult life. Hiring and retaining individuals with ASD in the workplace merits serious consideration, not only due to its salience as an issue of social justice and equal access, but due to the additional potential for the immense societal and economic contributions that would be provided by engaging human assets in an employment setting. The NaW program is designed to assist internal and external employers in engaging and hiring individuals within this population. Prospective employees are provided with significant support during and following the interview and onboarding processes.

As part of a research study, in addition to specialized assistance during interview phase for neurodiverse individuals, our group also provides specialized support to neurodiverse employees and their employers after on-boarding. 

Unlike employment service agencies, our research team does not provide job development. Recommendations on pre-employment training, internships, and full-time positions from the research team are highly limited. We encourage participants to apply for job openings aligned with their interests and qualifications. After interviews are offered, our team will be happy to work with the employers to make the interview process more neurodiversity-friendly.