Autism Awareness Month: What a difference a year makes

A year ago on April 2nd, I enthusiastically joined the crowd at the United Nations for the World Autism Awareness Day celebrations in New York City. [link] A few months ago, my colleagues at SAP and I were in the midst of planning various ways to celebrate around the world during Autism Awareness Month. And a few weeks ago, it became clear that our plans would need to be entirely revamped due to the realities of the pandemic we’re facing globally.

Adapting to a new reality can be challenging, particularly when it must be done in the blink of an eye. But it can also be inspiring.

Fostering Community Spirit

Seemingly overnight, colleagues at SAP including colleagues with autism switched to a remote work set-up. For some, this was their first time working from home, at least on a longer-term basis. For everyone, the uncertainty and the overall situation were unprecedented. We asked ourselves: what can we do to help our Autism at Work community stay connected and engaged while navigating this unusual situation?

One of our answers was to bring the community together virtually - connecting with colleagues with autism, mentors and buddies, managers, and inclusion champions on a community call was a simple yet effective solution which lifted everyone’s spirits. After ensuring that everyone knew where to find the latest news and key resources from SAP on COVID-19, there was a lively and supportive discussion around combating ‘cabin fever’ and we shared practical advice for managing the current realities.

Misinformation abounds regarding the social engagement of people with autism and we must be careful not to fall for stereotypes – communication and connection are incredibly important, even if it’s achieved from a distance! The comradery, laughter, and displays of support for one another during our hour together were a clear demonstration of the power of inclusion and how it creates a sense of belonging. Neurotypical and neurodiverse colleagues enjoyed it so much that more community calls have been added to the calendar.

A ‘New Normal’ for Accommodations and Inclusion?

My hope is that the quick shift to remote working on a mass scale might change mindsets about workplace adjustments which create more inclusive work environments. Could there be long-term positive changes for autism inclusion as a result? What are the ways in which this temporary new normal might have lasting effects?

For example, interviews are shifting to virtual settings wherein eye contact is not of concern. Creating an optimal work environment tailored to an individual’s preferred lighting or ambient noise level might be much more straightforward at home than in a shared office space. Speech-to-text features in online meeting platforms and other assistive technologies could be more readily available in virtual settings. A sensory-overloading commute during rush hour disappears in a remote work setting. There are certainly numerous challenges in this ‘new normal’, but a silver lining or two might also exist.

Stay healthy. Stay inclusive. 

Happy World Autism Awareness Day!

~Sarah

Learn more about how SAP is a force multiplier for autism inclusion

SAP Autism at Work

SAP’s Autism at Work program taps into an underutilized talent source by reducing barriers of entry so that qualified individuals can fully develop their potential. We are focused on expanding the inclusion footprint globally by welcoming more colleagues, identifying new opportunities for inclusion, and being a force multiplier externally for autism inclusion. SAP teams integrating employees with autism realize many core business benefits as well including the creation of patent applications, innovations in products and an increase in management skills and empathy. 

SAP Autism Inclusion Pledge

What better way to celebrate World Autism Awareness Month than by taking the SAP Autism Inclusion Pledge to start, enhance, or growing your organization’s autism inclusion program? Learn more at sap.com/AutismInclusionPledge  #AutismatWork