Queensland set to grow disability employment opportunities

Key points:

• Neurodiversity Works is a government-funded initiative that aims to support employers and neurodivergent employees
• Approximately 38 percent of Australians with autism spectrum disorder are employed, compared to 84.1 percent of peers without disability
• In one study, 80 percent of employers had ‘concerns regarding possible work adjustments’ for people with disability

Neurodiversity Works, a program funded by the Queensland Government, aims to create more inclusive workplaces in Queensland by engaging organisations and prospective employees who are neurodivergent, such as those with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. 

The Neurodiversity Works program aims to support registered employers in creating more inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent employees by:

• assessing employers’ capability of interviewing and hiring people with neurodivergence
• educating employers and staff about neurodivergence; and
• providing recommendations to employers about how to make their organisations more inclusive for neurodivergent job seekers.

In the Neurodiversity Works workshops delivered by Autism Queensland, employees and organisations will ‘gain an understanding of neurodiversity and learn tips and strategies to support [the] creation of inclusive workplaces.’ 

Participants also learn conflict resolution strategies that can develop communication skills for employees who are neurodivergent, such as people with autism spectrum disorder. 

Although ASD can come with many challenges, including relating to social interactions, this doesn’t always prevent people living with ASD from being productive or gaining employment.

People with ASD — for example — are less likely to stay silent in the face of gross misconduct or even just everyday mistakes, indicating the potential benefits of hiring neurodivergent people.

However, finding employment as a person living with ASD may not always be straightforward. 

Approximately 38 percent of Australians with autism spectrum disorder are employed, compared to 84.1 percent of peers without disability.

Barriers that can act as obstacles to employment for people with ASD include having social anxiety, sensory sensitivities, inflexibility, difficulty handling criticism and a reluctance to share or collaborate with other co-workers. 

Common difficulties for people with ASD fall into three main categories, namely:

• social interactions;
• verbal and nonverbal communication;
• repetitive or ritualistic behaviours.

In one study, employers were asked why they’d be reluctant to hire someone living with disability, with 80 percent stating they had concerns regarding possible work adjustments and the costs associated with these changes.

Common employment restrictions for Australians with ASD include:

• needing constant supervision and assistance;
• being able to work a certain number of hours;
• having difficulty changing and adapting to jobs.

Currently, around one percent of children in Australia are estimated to be living with autism spectrum disorder and a total of more than 205,000 Australian adults and children living with ASD.

Creating more inclusive workplaces in Australia means that children with ASD are more likely to gain employment in the future.

Employment Services Manager Nina Cash praised the Neurodiversity Works program for its success in developing employers’ understanding of neurodivergence.

“Neurodiversity Works is bespoke. Each business and employee we work with benefits from individualised support that works for the business as a whole and the individuals working within it,” she said.

“We also enhance [the] line managers’ knowledge of the types of accommodations and communication strategies that will help build a successful working relationship.” 

Ms Cash explained how the program improves employment outcomes for job seekers who are neurodivergent by developing their skills.

“We work with the employee to empower them develop [sic] improved self-awareness, self-advocacy skills and an understanding of [role suitability],” she said.

Minister for Employment and Skills Development Dianne Farmer previously commented on the benefits of projects that better support vulnerable job seekers as $20 million dollars was allocated to create thousands of jobs in the Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022 – 2032.

“[…] There are 180,000 people in Queensland who face employment barriers and we have implemented an innovative approach to recruitment and retention which — if successful — can be expanded at scale. It has never been done before and our first funding round has been a great start,” she said. 

Queensland businesses and organisations are encouraged to learn more about the Neurodiversity Works program to embrace a neurodivergence workforce. 

For more information, phone 07 3273 0000 or email [email protected]. 

Are you an employee who is neurodivergent? How does an inclusive workplace make your job more enjoyable?

Let the team at Talking Disability know on social media. 

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