From overlooked to in-demand<\/p>\n
Many neurodivergent people encounter barriers on the path from education to employment. Traditional recruitment processes put a lot of emphasis on a candidate\u2019s performance during a job interview \u2013 from their confidence to their ability to give spontaneous answers to questions. This can put neurodivergent candidates \u2013 whose strengths may be better demonstrated by the quality of their work \u2013 at a disadvantage.<\/p>\n
This is what ASA was established to address. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Brisbane, the social enterprise creates long-term skilled employment pathways for neurodivergent people in data, digital engineering and geospatial services. It has employed more than 250 analysts since 2020, delivering data services to infrastructure,\u00a0utilities and government\u00a0clients through a neurodivergent-inclusive workforce.<\/p>\n
ASA analysts Amelia Caddie (26) and Benjamin Jarrett (27) knew they had valuable skills to contribute \u2013 from technical know-how to strong attention to detail \u2013 but came up against challenges when navigating interviews and workplaces that did not accommodate their needs.<\/p>\n
Caddie was diagnosed with autism at university while studying for a joint degree in computer science and arts, after years of dealing with social anxiety.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I finally got diagnosed, all the struggles I\u2019d been through finally made sense,\u201d she said. \u201cI wish it was picked up earlier \u2013 I could have benefited from earlier strategies and support during my school\u00a0years.\u201d<\/p>\n
While social environments were challenging, her aptitude for mathematics provided direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always liked maths, because there\u2019s a clear correct answer and an incorrect answer,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile Jarrett, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, faced bullying in school. Despite this, he stuck with education and completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Surveying) at RMIT University.<\/p>\n
Although they are highly qualified, both Caddie and Jarrett struggled to land graduate\u00a0jobs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI applied to so many jobs that it got to the point where I started thinking I wasn\u2019t good enough,\u201d Caddie said. \u201cTalking on the spot in an interview is really difficult for me. After interviews, I would always think I could have been more articulate and reflective of the strengths I could bring to the job.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jarrett agreed: \u201cGiven how my brain works, I perform my best when I\u2019m able to take my time to make sure everything is correct. The best version of myself really didn\u2019t shine through in job interviews.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout these recruitment processes, I would switch between disclosing and not disclosing my autism. If I disclosed it early on, I was afraid of not landing an interview at all or being declined an offer if I managed to make the interview stage. Or if I actually did land something, I was scared of losing my job once I got it.\u201d<\/p>\n
For both analysts, joining ASA marked a turning point. Its operating model removes common workplace barriers through clear communication, flexible structures and environments that reduce unnecessary social pressure, enabling the technical strengths of neurodivergent talent to shine through.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust being given a chance has increased my confidence a lot,\u201d Caddie said. \u201cThere\u2019s\u00a0less pressure to perform socially. Everyone understands.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Amelia Caddie from Brisbane struggled with job interviews before joining ASA. Image: ASA<\/p>\n