Empowering Inclusion in the Workplace
Resources for autistic adults entering the workforce as well as employers looking for tools to improve their business' neurodiversity and inclusion.
Featured Resources
This guide offers information about requesting accommodations, including ready-to-use templated...
This editable template can be used to support job candidates with essential details to set expectations...
This comprehensive checklist empowers human resource professionals and hiring managers to craft accessible...
Get Involved
Join The Next Connects Mentorship Program
NEXT CONNECTS is a bi-directional mentorship initiative developed by NEXT for AUTISM. The program supports young autistic adults entering the workforce while fostering improved acceptance and inclusion within businesses.
We are recruiting college-level autistic adults and established professionals to participate.
An Inclusive Vision
NEXT for AUTISM believes that everyone deserves to lead a productive and fulfilling life. For many people, that means the opportunity to work. However, work environments are not always conducive to neurodiverse individuals, from the hiring process to supporting and retaining employees.
To help facilitate neurodiversity in the workplace, NEXT, with support from the Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, offers practical, impactful, and ready-to-use resources for businesses and job seekers alike ... as well as a platform for sharing ideas and insights to best support neurodiversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Panel Event
Neurodiverse Hiring and Employment
NEXT for AUTISM and the Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation hosts an annual panel discussion on neurodiverse hiring and employment. The most recent panel, “From the Mailroom to the Boardroom: Your Role in Building a Neuroinclusive Workplace” was held on September 12, 2024, at the University of California-Los Angeles.
The panel was moderated by Ferose V.R., SVP/Head of SAP Academy for Engineering, SAP. Panelists include Jennifer Scott Bond, Human Resources Director, Aramark, Tim Goldstein, Technical Program Manager, Google, Amy Gravino, Relationship Coach, Consultant, and Autism Sexuality Advocate, Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services, and Ed Lynch, Executive Director/Founder, Mychal's Learning Place.
"This is not just DEI, this is also ROI. You are getting bottom line from hiring the world's most diverse thinkers into your organization."
Jhillika Kumar
CEO/Co-founder, Mentra
NEXT CONNECTS: A Mentorship Connection Founded on Business
NEXT CONNECTS is a bi-directional mentorship initiative developed by NEXT for AUTISM. NEXT matches professionals who have established careers with autistic college students who will soon be seeking entry into the workforce. Mentors will provide support as well as collaboratively set personalized mentoring goals...