Main description:

First book in the field of neurodivergent/autistic employment written specifically for employers Easy to understand the non-clinically trained reader yet provides background on the underlying psychological topics necessary to understand the challenges of those with autism

Contents:

Acknowledgements; Introduction; How to Use This Book; PART 1: UNDERSTANDING THE ESSENTIALS; Chapter 1 - What Should I Know to Get Started?; The Myth of the "Normal" Brain; Neurodiversity 101; The Language of Neurodiversity; The Language of Autism; Disclosure; Chapter 2 - Why Hire Autistic Professionals?; Business Benefits; Economic Benefits; Societal Benefits; Chapter 3 - Are Neurodiversity Hiring Programs Necessary?; The History of Neurodiversity Hiring Programs; Hiring Approaches; Where Do You Find Autistic Talent?; Launching your own program; Chapter 4 - The Autistic Jobseeker: Not Your Typical Candidate; The Unwritten Rules of the "Hidden Curriculum"; Theory of Mind; Sensory Sensitivities; Anxiety; Chapter 5 - Differences in Autistic Thinking; Disorder, Disability or Difference?; Seeing the "Big Picture"; Reasoning and Decision-Making; Executive Functioning; The Importance of Previewing; PART 2: RECRUITING AUTISTIC TALENT; Chapter 6 - Screening Techniques for the Atypical Resume; Job Fit; The Myth of the Computer Geek; The Atypical Resume; Work History; Chapter 7 - Does Your Company Embrace Neurodiversity?; Appeal to the Broader Autism Community; Become an Employer of Choice; Avoid Job Description Jargon; Simplify the Application Maze; Chapter 8 - Sourcing Autistic Jobseekers; Campus Recruiting; Effective Use of the Internet; Sourcing Partners; The Autism Community; PART 3: INTERVIEWING; Chapter 9 - The Autism Factor in Interviews; The Importance of Appearance; Ways of Speaking; Turn Down the Volume; Chapter 10 - Interview Alternatives; Non-traditional Formats; Interview Practice Modifications; A Word about Virtual Interviewing; The Interview Process: A Different Perspective; Chapter 11 - What Are You Evaluating? Mindset Versus Skillset; Mindset; Mindset of the Autistic Candidate; Interview Questions; Artificial Intelligence; PART 4: THE FIRST 100 DAYS; Chapter 12 - Getting the Candidate to "Yes"; Making the Offer; Drug Testing; Reference Checking; Relocation Assistance; Chapter 13 - Onboarding New Hires; Onboarding vs. Orientation; Orientation; Onboarding; Chapter 14 - Preparing Your Organization for Success; The Supportive Workplace; Education and Training; Manager Support; Office Environment; Social Distractions and Demands; Chapter 15 - Performance Issues; The Role of the Hidden Curriculum; The Role of Executive Functioning; The Role of Anxiety; Epilogue; APPENDIX; Example 7.1 - Job Description; Example 7.2 - Job Description; Example 7.3 - Job Description (Before); Example 7.4 - Job Description (After); Example 11.1 - Rephrased Interview Questions; Example 13.1 - Mentor/Mentee Guidelines; GLOSSARY; REFERENCES