For years, I’ve been on a mission to change perceptions about autism as an advocate and professional speaker. From my own experiences during my autism journey, I’ve realized that autistic individuals aren’t just capable of working in traditional jobs but can soar to leadership roles, turning the conventional thinking about our community upside down. During months like October for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, where our society has more conversations around disability employment, I hope we can focus on this topic.
When people think about autism, they often associate it with certain talents or special abilities, perhaps in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). But beyond these skills, autistic people possess traits that are inherently valuable in leadership roles. Here’s why.
Laser-Focused Approach:
Many autistic individuals have the ability to concentrate intensely on specific tasks. This hyper-focus can be leveraged to dissect problems, analyze situations, and drive projects to completion. A leader with this ability is equipped to identify issues and solutions that might be overlooked by others.
Honesty and Integrity:
Autistic people are often direct and value transparency. In a leadership position, this means making decisions that are well-informed and honest. Employees appreciate leaders who are genuine and straightforward, creating a culture of trust.
Loyalty and Dedication:
Once committed, many of us on the spectrum are incredibly loyal and dedicated. One of the things I mention in most of my professional development sessions with companies on Neurodiversity in the Workplace is that autistic employees are more likely to stay at a company longer and are less like to take time off from work compared to their nondisabled coworkers. In a leadership context, this translates to a consistent vision, perseverance during tough times, and unwavering support for team members.
Unique Problem-Solving:
Thanks to our distinct neural wiring, autistic people often approach problems from a different angle. As leaders, this enables us to foster innovation and introduce fresh perspectives.
Valuing Routine and Structure:
A love for routines and structures can translate into strong planning and organizational skills. For any team or organization, a leader who emphasizes systematic approaches can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency.
Historically, society has placed autistic individuals in boxes, emphasizing our challenges more than our potential. But, there are countless autistic professionals who have not only defied these stereotypes but have also taken the mantle of leadership with grace.
Take Dr. Temple Grandin as an example. As an autistic individual, she revolutionized the livestock industry with her designs. Her unique perspective allowed her to empathize with animals, leading her to design systems that prioritize their welfare. Dr. Grandin’s leadership and innovations are respected worldwide, demonstrating that autistic leadership is not only possible but also invaluable.
I too have had the honor of leading teams and projects, advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities, and seeing firsthand the impact of inclusive leadership. Every time an autistic person rises to a leadership role, it shatters ceilings and paves the way for future generations to believe in their potential.
But here’s the caveat: just like anyone else, autistic individuals need the right opportunities and support systems to thrive as leaders. Organizations must adopt inclusive practices, offer mentorship, and provide an environment where everyone, can realize their leadership potential.
In conclusion, it’s time we expand our understanding of leadership. Leaders come in various forms, and autistic individuals, with their unique skills and perspectives, can undeniably make great ones. By redefining what leadership looks like and embracing neurodiversity at the helm, we not only create inclusive workplaces but also unlock untapped potential that can drive organizations to new heights.
As an advocate and an autistic individual, autistic people deserve a chance to succeed. I urge everyone to see the potential within every person. Because talented autistic people don’t just make good employees… They make great leaders!
Would you like me to give a professional development talk with your company on Neurodiversity in the Workplace in-person or virtually? We’ve worked with companies such as S&P Global, J.P Morgan Chase, Google Cambridge, The Toronto Raptors, TD Bank and more! Contact me here for more details.
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My name is Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum. I started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue post-secondary education. Help support me so I can continue to help students with autism go to college by making a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit here.
Autistics on Autism: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams was released on March 29, 2022 on Amazon here for our community to enjoy featuring the stories of 100 autistic adults. 100% of the proceeds from this book will go back to our nonprofit to support initiatives like our autism scholarship program. In addition, this autistic adult’s essay you just read will be featured in a future volume of this book as we plan on making this into a series of books on autistic adults.
