Celebrating World Autism Awareness Day - Winning with the power of neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a valuable asset to Cummins Inc., a leading global power technology company, in today's innovation-focused world. By embracing neurodiversity, Cummins recognizes the unique perspective that individuals with conditions like Dyslexia, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum offer in information processing, learning and problem-solving. Approximately 15-20% of the world's population is neurodivergent, and individuals with autism make up one in 54 people. Unfortunately, around 85% of adults with autism are underemployed or unemployed, indicating an untapped pool of talent within and in the broader neurodiverse community.

As we celebrate the United Nations' theme for the 2023 World Autism Awareness Day, "Transformation: Toward a Neuro-Inclusive World for All," Cummins recognizes the importance of “moving away from the narrative of curing or converting neurodivergent individuals “and instead “focusing on accepting, supporting, and including them while advocating for their rights.”

At Cummins, we are celebrating this transformation theme by increasing opportunities to grow awareness and understanding, integrating accessibility features into facilities and expanding our portfolio of digital technology solutions. Through our partnership with Specialisterne, we have launched four neurodiverse hiring projects in Cummins Emissions and Fuel Systems, the Engine Business, and the Chief Digital Officer organizations, offering opportunities in Developer, Data Scientist, Data Engineer and Cybersecurity Engineer roles.

As part of our neurodivergent talent initiative, we have made primary adjustments that include revised job descriptions focusing on core skills necessary for success in the role, modified candidate assessment processes to enable demonstration of those skills, education and awareness sessions for hiring managers and teammates and on-demand, online ‘Neurodiversity 101’ training. We also provide on-the-job support for new hires, current neurodivergent employees, managers and teammates in collaboration with Specialisterne. Additionally, we have classified some roles to include full-time remote/work from home options.

Cummins recognizes the value of neurodiversity in driving innovation, and as a member of the Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable - Disability:IN, we are committed to creating a more neuro-inclusive work environment. We invite other companies to join us in embracing neurodiversity to tap into the untapped talent pool within the neurodiverse community and create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world for all.

Mark Smith
Vice President – CFO
Executive Sponsor – Disability Inclusion 

Sources/Citations:
https://dceg.cancer.gov/about/diversity-inclusion/inclusivity-minute/2022/neurodiversity#:~:text=Neurodiversity%20describes%20the%20variation%20in,exhibits%20some%20form%20of%20neurodivergence 
Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder | CDC
Employment and Adults with ASD: Challenges and Strategies for Success. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 32, 125-134.