Germany's SAP To Recruit Tech Staff With Autism

[eridani]

http://www.manufacturing.net/news/2013/05/germanys-sap-to-recruit-tech-staff-with-autism?et_cid=3268279&et_rid=54679148&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.manufacturing.net%2fnews%2f2013%2f05%2fgermanys-sap-to-recruit-tech-staff-with-autism

German software giant SAP AG said Tuesday it plans to recruit people with autism to take make full use of their talents to process information.

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in communicating, emotional detachment and rigid or repetitive behavior. But some people with mild autism can perform complex mathematical tasks much better than the average population.

"SAP sees a potential competitive advantage to leveraging the unique talents of people with autism, while also helping them to secure meaningful employment," the Walldorf, Germany-based software maker said.

An estimated one percent of the world population has a form of autism and the company wants to reflect that in its 65,000-strong workforce, spokesman Hilmar Schepp told The Associated Press.

The jobs for which SAP will be recruiting people with autism include software testing, programming and quality assurance.

[siligut]

1. This could offer breakthrough understanding

If they can access and use the ability effectively, it will not only benefit the industry it will broaden understanding of the condition.

[SheilaT]

2. Moreorganizations need to understand

how these kinds of differences are valuable.

My aspie son is fascinating to talk to, because he'll have very interesting and original observations on all sorts of things. I love getting his take on a novel or movie.