Autism in the Workplace: Live from Basel, Now on SRF

Changing the world. One mind at a time.

(TLDR) Our Strategy Director Michael joined the “Autismus in der Arbeitswelt” panel, where he challenged the status quo and made the case for real change. Missed the live session in Basel? SRF has dropped the podcast. Listen. Learn. Rethink the rules.

During April, your feed might be full of puzzle pieces and inspirational quotes for Autism Awareness Month. But here’s a tougher truth we can’t ignore: 80% of autistic individuals are unemployed. Not because they aren’t skilled. Not because they don’t want to work. But because most workplaces simply aren’t built for difference. It’s not enough to post support once a year. Awareness months should push us to look at how the system excludes and what we’re doing to rebuild it.

That’s exactly the message Michael brought to the stage at “Autismus in der Arbeitswelt”, hosted by Leben mit Autismus in Basel. Together with a panel of experts and advocates, he spoke about the real barriers neurodivergent individuals face and the doors that open when we stop trying to “fix” people and start redesigning systems.

So, what can you do?

Awareness is a start. But action is where the work begins. Try this:

• Challenge the idea of the “ideal” employee. Who defines it and who gets left out?
• Rethink how you hire, onboard, and communicate. Accessibility isn’t optional.
• Ask whose voices are missing. Then make space, not just seats at the table.
• Learn the difference between inclusion and assimilation. One supports difference. The other erases it.

Missed the event in Basel? SRF has released the podcast. Listen to the full panel discussion here:
‍https://www.srf.ch/audio/rendez-vous/autismus-in-der-arbeitswelt-wie-gelingt-inklusion?partId=eVesPpEyuUxRSiTJDWpWlTldJD0#:~:text=Menschen mit einer Autismus-Spektrums-Störung haben oft Schwierigkeiten%2C,Fähigkeiten für einen Beruf mitbringen.