Autism Awareness Month - DiversityInc Best Practices€¦ · utism Awareness Month takes place in April to spread public knowledge about autism spectrum disorders and to celebrate

Autism Awareness Month takes place in April to spread public knowledge about autism spectrum disorders and to celebrate the uniqueness of people with autism. Autism is defined as a developmental disorder that is characterized by difficulty in social interaction and communication,

and restrictive or repetitive patterns in thought and behavior. Autism can manifest differently in different individuals and can affect people with varying severity. This Meeting in a Box outlines the benefits of neurodiversity — the viewpoint that different neurological abilities including, but not limited to, autism are normal — for your organization. We provide a timeline with strides made by and for people on the autism spectrum and facts & figures pages on symptoms, diagnoses, demographics, treatments, education and employment information. We also include company spotlights based on 2019’s Top 50 survey on organizations that implement policies and practices that benefit people with autism spectrum disorders.

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Autism Awareness

MonthFor All Employees

Autism Awareness Month For All Employees

1 AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH: TIMELINE

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“Microserfs,” Rex Sorgatz, CC BY-2.0

Understandings of autism’s causes, symptoms, prevalence and treatment have changed over the years since the condition was first described in the early 20th century. Although there have been harmful misconceptions about autism, the scientific community has also made strides toward understanding and normalizing au-tism. People with autism have advocated for themselves and others have advocated for them through the founding of organizations and passing of bills to support neurodiversity. People with autism have earned success and told their own stories as authors, artists and actors.

Use this timeline to discuss the successes the scientific communi-ty and those with autism have achieved while also acknowledging the need to continue creating an inclusive, neurodiverse society.

Discussion Questions for Employees

? How can we, as individuals and a company, normalize and celebrate neurodiversity?

? Why are misconceptions about autism and its causes so harmful to those with autism and others?

? How can we continue making space for more “firsts” for people on the autism spectrum?

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1908 -Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler coins the term “autism” to describe

symptoms of some severe schizophrenia cases in which people heavily withdrew. Scientists now know there is no link between autism and schizophrenia.

1943 -American child psychiatrist Leo Kanner publishes a paper on a

study he conducted on the behavior of 11 children. He describes the children as highly intelligent but displaying “a powerful desire for aloneness” and “an obsessive insistence on persistent sameness.” He later calls the condition “early infantile autism.”

1944 -Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger describes boys who are highly

intelligent but have trouble with social interactions and specific, obsessive interests. He recognizes the condition as a “milder” form of autism and it later becomes known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Asperger is a controversial figure because he was a eugenicist and was reportedly involved in Nazi collusion. High-functioning autism is no longer officially known as Asperger’s.

1965 -The first meeting of parents with autistic children takes place. The

organization is called the National Society of Autistic Children and later becomes known as the Autism Society of America.

1967 -Psychologist Bruno Bettelheim popularizes a bogus theory that

“refrigerator mothers” — or mothers who do not love their children enough — cause autism. Post-World War II, theories blaming life experiences and trauma for various disorders were popular. These scientists did not take biology and genetics into account.

1977 -Research on twins finds autism is mainly caused by genetics and

biological differences in brain development.

1980 -The “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM)

lists “infantile autism” as a condition for the first time. It is officially separated from childhood schizophrenia.

1987 -The DSM replaces the term “infantile autism” with a broader

definition of “autism disorder” and includes diagnostic criteria. -UCLA psychologist Ivar Lovaas publishes a study that shows

behavioral therapy can help children with autism.

1988 -The film “Rain Man” comes out, starring Dustin Hoffman as an

autistic intellectual with a photographic memory who can calculate huge numbers in his head. The film raises awareness for the disorder, but not all people with autism have skills like these.

1991 -The federal government establishes autism as a special education

category. Public schools begin identifying children with autism and offer them special education services that address their needs.

-Donna Williams, an author with autism, publishes the first of four autobiographical books, “Nobody Nowhere.”

1992 -A “20/20” report attempts to connect environmental pollution in

Leominster, Massachusetts with a cluster of children with autism. It is quickly debunked because half of the children did not have autism, and some did not even live in the area.

- A group of people with autism create the Autism Network International organization.

1994 -The DSM adds Asperger’s Syndrome to its list of diagnoses, which

expands the understanding of the autism spectrum to include cases where individuals tend to be more highly functioning.

1995 -Author Douglas Copeland publishes the book “Microserfs” which

includes Michael, a character with autism. -The organization, Cure Autism Now is formed.

1996 -Autism Network International holds its first conference for people

with autism.

Timeline



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1998 -Andrew Wakefield publishes the ultimately renounced study

in the British medical journal “The Lancet” that concluded the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine may cause autism. It leads to a harmful anti-vaccine movement in the U.S. and U.K. It is debunked after instances of ethical misconduct and conflicts of interest are discovered.

1999 -Judy Singer coins the phrase “neurodiversity,” which establishes

a viewpoint that various neurological abilities and conditions are normal and beneficial to society.

-The Autism Society adopts the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon as the universal sign of autism awareness.

2000 -The Children’s Health Act of 2000 establishes the Interagency

Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), a federal advisory committee that coordinates efforts and offers advice on issues related to autism.

2002 -The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP)

is founded. The organization is run by people with Asperger’s and autism spectrum disorders.

2006 -Ari Ne’eman, an autism rights activist, founds the Academic

Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE).

2007 -Cure Autism Now and Autism Speaks merge.

2009 -The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

estimates that one in 110 children have autism spectrum disorders. In 2007, that number was 1 in 150, but the increase in cases is attributed to improved diagnostic techniques.

2011 -Paula Durbin Westby organizes the first Autism Acceptance

Month that takes place each April. -The Combating Autism Act of 2011 is passed. It makes critical

investments to determine causes of ASD, raise awareness and develop new therapies to aid those with autism.

2013 -The DSM combines all subcategories of autism into one umbrella

of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Asperger’s is no longer considered a separate condition. ASD becomes defined by impaired social communications and interaction and restricted and/or repetitive behaviors.

2014 -The Autism Cares Act is reauthorized with bipartisan support. It

expands funding and programs that benefit people with autism.

2016 -The CDC announces autism prevalence is at one in 68 children.

2017 -The show, “The Good Doctor” premieres. It stars Freddie

Highmore, a neurotypical actor who plays a skilled surgeon with autism. The show is praised for portraying autism, but sparks some controversy for not hiring a person with autism to advise the cast and crew on accurately portraying the condition. The issue of hiring neurodiverse actors to play neurodiverse characters becomes a conversation.

2020 -A new show, “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay” premieres on Hulu

and Freeform. It stars Kayla Cromer as Matilda, a teen character with autism. Cromer discloses she is on the autism spectrum and advocates for neurodiverse representation — especially for women and girls. The show navigates complex topics like sex, sexual orientation, loss, family and other coming-of-age experiences through the lens of a young woman with autism.


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2 FACTS & FIGURESAfter discussing some strides made for understanding autism and improving the lives of people with it, the next step is to dis-cuss the facts, figures and statistics concerning autism. This section includes diagnosis information, demographic information, symptoms, contributing factors, treatment, education and employment information for people with autism. People with autism spectrum disorders experience a diverse array of symptoms and have varying levels of functionality. There is no “typical” person with autism. Neurodiversity adds value to your workforce.


? What misconceptions about autism might people have? Why is it important to know the facts, especially from a corporate diversity and inclusion standpoint?

? Symptoms and types of autism can vary from person to person. What are some of the signs most commonly associated with autism?

? A common problem for individuals and families with autism is lack of insurance coverage of various helpful medical services. How extensive is our company’s healthcare coverage? Does it take into account diverse medical needs?

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DEMOGRAPHIC AND DIAGNOSIS FACTS

Facts & Figures

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Diagnosis Information

The average age of autism diagnosis is four years old.

Autism can be diagnosed as early as 2. Doctors recommend parents screen for autism and other developmental disorders at 18- and 24-month checkups. Earlier diagnosis means earlier inter-vention in helping the child develop sensory, communication and social skills.

In 2014, the Autism Society estimated that 3.5 million Americans lived with an autism spectrum disorder.

The Gender Gap There is no clear explanation as to why boys are diagnosed at four times the rate of girls, but the CDC suggests that signs and symptoms may manifest differently in the sexes and contribute to how autism is identified, diagnosed, and reported in boys versus girls. It also simply may be more prevalent in boys.

Child Mind Institute (2020) suggests that the current diagnostic model focuses on boys and could be the reason why girls go undiagnosed. Because autism manifests differently in girls, stereotypes may cause girls who have the condition to receive de-layed diagnoses. Girls with autism might also develop depression, anxiety or low self-esteem and clinicians may simply stop at those diagnoses and not investigate fur-ther. Also, girls are likely better at “masking,” or hiding their autism by imitating others’ social behaviors.

Autism Speaks; Autism Society, 2015; CDC; Child Mind Institute

In 2000, about 1 in 150 children was diagnosed with autism. In 2014 (the most recent year there is data for), that number became 1 in 59. An increase in diagnoses likely indicates an improvement in di-agnostic techniques.

In 2014, for every 1 girl diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, 4 boys were diagnosed. Data for transgender and nonbinary children was not available at the time.

The rate of diagnoses per 1,000 children was 17.2 non-Hispanic white, 16 non-Hispanic Black, 14 Hispanic and 13.5 Asian/Other Pacific Islander.

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Source: CDC; National Autism Indicators Report

Social communication challenges• Verbal: Difficulties with spoken language and

common verbal expressions not meant to be taken literally

• Nonverbal: Difficulties with gestures, eye contact, facial expression, and tone of voice Difficulties with

• Recognizing and expressing one’s own emotions

• Recognizing emotions and inten- tions of others

• Seeking emotional comfort• Navigating social situations such as

giving and needing personal space and taking turns in conversation

Symptoms

Autism Speaks cites that the core symptoms of autism can be classified as social communica-tion challenges and restricted, repetitive behaviors.Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors

• Constant body movement (e.g., rocking), moving objects (e.g., spinning wheels), or staring at an object (e.g., lights)

• Ritualistic behaviors (e.g., lining up objects) and resistance to change

• Heavily interested in specific topics

Scientists have not determined a single cause of autism.

However, the following factors may increase its likelihood.

Genetics. 83% of the time, autism occurs with other developmental, psychiatric, neurologic, chromosomal or genetic disorders.

Parents’ age. Older parents may have a higher risk of having a child with autism.

Pregnancy. If a parent has a child with autism, their second child has a 2–18% chance of also having it. In identical twins, if one twin has autism, the second has a 36–95% chance of also having it. In fraternal twins, that chance is 0–31%. Pregnancies less than one year apart can increase the chances of autism.

Birth complications. A premature birth (under 26 weeks) and a low birth weight can increase the chances of the child having autism.

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© 2020 DiversityInc PAGE 8Source: U.S. Census Bureau; EEOC; ABD; Oesch, SHRM; National Autism Indicators Report: Developmental Disability Services and Outcomes in Adulthood; Bernick , SHRM

EDUCATION

The 2015 National Autism In-dicators Report: Transitioning into Young Adulthood surveyed young adults with autism be-tween 21–25 in a longitudinal study beginning in 2000.

Of that sample, 36% of respon-dents pursued a postsecondary education.

Of that 36% ...

TREATMENT

Cost

Medical expenditures for children and ado-lescents with autism exceed those without autism by $4,110–$6,200 a year. In 2005, the average cost of Medicaid-enrolled children with autism was $10,709, six times higher than those without autism.

Behavioral interventions for children with autism can cost between $40,000–$60,000.

In the U.S., the cost of treating autism in-creases in adulthood. At the national lev-el, the total costs for adult services ranges from $175–196 billion versus $61–66 billion for children’s services.

Services

In the 2015 National Autism Indicators Report, psychological services were cited as the most frequent service that parents need but do not have covered by their insurance. Companies may con-sider this information to improve their benefits for parents who have children with autism.

Service Not Covered PercentagePsychological services 23%Speech/language therapy 15%Occupational therapy 13%Behavior management services 11%Medication/pharmacy services 6%Other 10%

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70% attended two-year college

33% attended

vocational, business

or technical school

32% attended

four-year college

16% attended

two-year and four-

year college


© 2020 DiversityInc PAGE 9Source: U.S. Census Bureau; EEOC; ABD; Oesch, SHRM; National Autism Indicators Report: Developmental Disability Services and Outcomes in Adulthood; Bernick , SHRM

EMPLOYMENT

About 60% of people with autism have average or above-average intelligence. About 30% of those who attended a two-year college and 50% of those who attended a four-year college studied a science, tech-nology, engineering and math (STEM) subject — a field in high demand.

However, 85% of college-educated adults with autism are unemployed.

Organizations benefit from hiring people with autism! The skill more prominent among people with autism is attention to detail. Additionally, organizations hiring for neurodiversity — diversity of thinking styles and abilities —may be more creative.

Based on a sample of adults with autism between the ages of 18-64 years in the 2017 National Autism Indica-tors Report, only 14% held a paying job.

Of that 14%, the most common occupations are broken down below.

Job Type PercentageBuilding, grounds cleaning, and maintenance 28%Food prep and services 18%Retail 17%Assembly, manufacturing, and packaging 7%General office and administrative support 6%Materials handling and mail distribution 3%Other 20%

Workplace Obstacles People With Autism Face

Interview difficulties. A common symptom of au-tism is having challenges with communication. Many companies’ cultures can alienate people with autism because they emphasize social and communication skills.

Sensory Sensitivity. People with autism may be hy-per- or hypo-sensitive to things like light, touch, smells and sounds.

Difficulties with change. People with autism may struggle with roles that require them to change routine quickly.

Difficulties with executive function. People with autism may struggle to manage emotions or self-motivate.

Practices That Benefit Employees With Autism

Inclusive recruitment process. Some compa-nies hire third parties that specialize in neurodi-verse hiring.

Training and support. Offer training and job coaching with buy-in initiatives. On-the-job training that focuses on social communication and takes place in the actual work setting is ben-eficial.

Inclusive training for managers and co-workers. Train employees on effective commu-nication strategies and autism awareness.

Structured environment. Many people with autism work best with definitive rules and routine.



3 COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: PRACTICES & PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT EMPLOYEES WITH AUTISMIn this section, we provide examples of practices companies have in place that help foster an inclusive environment where people with autism can thrive. We highlight EY (DiversityInc Hall of Fame member)’s Neurodiversity Centers of Excellence, HP (No. 45 on 2019 Top 50 Companies for Diversity)’s Spectrum Success Program, Best Buy (2019 Noteworthy Company)’s disABILITIES employee resource group, Quest Diagnostics (2019 Noteworthy Company)’s partnership with ADVICE and NEXT for Autism, and Asurion (2019 Noteworthy Company)’s partnership with The Precisionists, Inc.


? What business benefits does neurodiversity have?

? What programs and practices does our company have in place to support neurodiversity? What can we implement?

? Many times, employees with disabilities simply need reasonable accommodations — such as changes to their schedules or the ability to work from home— that can cost companies next to nothing. How can we create a company culture where employees feel comfortable disclosing their disabilities and requesting accommodations?

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Company Spotlight: Programs That Benefit Employees With Autism

Based on our 2019 Top 50 Companies for Diversity survey data, we highlight companies tapping into neurodiverse talent through various initiatives.

EY — DiversityInc Hall of Fame company

EY has the Neurodiversity Centers of Excellence — an initiative to engage and support employees with autism through four key phases:

• Scoping, which involves sourcing of neurodiverse candidates, involving community partners, managing projects and engaging stakeholders

• Getting buy-in, which involves seeking executive sponsors, local office leadership, functional stakeholders, and business owners that new hires would be supporting

• Building, which involves elements of talent sourcing, screening, assess-ment, training, onboarding and support

• Measuring, which involves documenting the performance and retention of neurodiverse employees. The retention rate of members of this program is 100%.

HP — No. 45 on 2019 Top 50 Companies for Diversity

HP has the Spectrum Success Program, which focuses on individuals with autism that are either sophomores or juniors in college. Selected candi-dates visit HP and have an opportunity to complete an interview.

The purpose of the Spectrum Success Program is to recruit, hire and retain qualified candidates. Applicants can apply online for the yearlong program.

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Best Buy — 2019 Noteworthy Company

Best Buy created an externship program through its disABILITIES employee resource group, which partners with organizations that employ people with disabilities. The experiential learning program allows people with autism to work in a Best Buy store for up to a year.

Asurion partners with The Precisionists, Inc. to help individuals with au-tism and other disabilities find employment.

Asurion — 2019 Noteworthy Company

Quest Diagnostics — 2019 Noteworthy Company

Quest Diagnostics works with Autism and Disability Visual Integra-tion Company Experience (ADVICE), a program that helps companies develop hiring, training and retention initiatives for employees with autism. It also works with NEXT for AUTISM, an organization that de-signs, supports and launches programs to help advance the lives and careers of people with autism.

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Autism Awareness Month - DiversityInc Best Practices€¦ · utism Awareness Month takes place in April to spread public knowledge about autism spectrum disorders and to celebrate