Not your neurotypical consultant: demand for autistic tech experts surges

Author: Tom Lawson / Source: Positive News

Autistic adults often experience difficulty in finding work, but IT consultancy and social enterprise Auticon reports a rise in demand for their skills

Launched in London last year, Auticon is a social enterprise that exclusively helps adults with autism find work in IT.

It offers support from ‘job coaches’, and has links with major firms across the country.

According to figures from the National Autistic Society, only 16 per cent of autistic adults are in full-time paid employment, despite 77 per cent of those who are unemployed wanting to work.

Auticon currently employs 15 full-time autistic IT consultants in the UK. But the company says demand for these skills is higher than ever, and so has launched a campaign to find more applicants.

Support journalism that shares your values

As the first media organisation to take good news seriously, we are committed to rigorous standards. Plus we are a media co-op owned by readers where all profit is reinvested in our journalism. Support inspiring, trustworthy journalism by subscribing to Positive News magazine.

“We saw that so many talented individuals, who wanted long term employment and had so much to offer, were missing out,” said Auticon UK CEO Ray Coyle.

“We have had great responses from major blue chip clients, who really value the skills our consultants bring. So great, in fact, that we are now unable to meet demand. We are calling out for autistic adults, who have an interest in technology, to apply.

”