“Neurodiversity” has become a familiar term across American society, but mere awareness of autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, and other neurological differences doesn’t mean much for the people who live with these – especially when it comes to finding work.
Studies differ on exact numbers, but the unemployment rate among neurodivergent people (a more precise term than neurodiversity) is definitely higher than among the overall population, probably by a double-digit factor.
“It’s not just awareness,” says Judy Reilly, Judy Reilly, the director of the Werth Institute’s Center for Neurodiversity & Employment Innovation at UConn. “The heavy lift is really in, Ok, so now what do we do? How do we build a process to include these candidates better for the jobs they’re talented enough to do, and then how do we support them when we hire them?”
The new Center, under Reilly, is at the forefront of a growing move in higher education and the American workplace to appreciate the skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, and create environments where they can succeed.
In this episode of UConn 360, Reilly talks about the shifting landscape in employment, the challenges of culture change in the workplace, and the reasons she’s so passionate about her work.
Then, in this episode's installment of Tom's History Shelf, Tom and Julie discover which building is the oldest on the UConn campus, and explain why it isn't the one you might be thinking of.
Episode 15: UConn Students Are the Best
Episode 14: A Cult Following (Not the Good Kind)
Episode 13: How to Behave in a Hurricane
Episode 12: The Best Nachos In the World
Episode 11: UConn Students On Screen, On the Page, and Against the Klan
Episode 10: The Continuing Saga of Basketball Fistfights
Episode 9: Elementary, My Dear ... Orangeman?
Episode 8: Real News About Fake News
Episode 7: A Tradition of Throwing People Into Lakes
Episode 6: All-Commencement Spectacular
Episode 5: At Home in the Cathedrals of Old Europe
Episode 4: A Brief History of Good Boys
Episode 3: Play Us a Song, You're the Piano Brain
Episode 2: All Things to All People
Episode 1: Pleased to Meet You
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