Traditional interviews—with their focus on eye contact, small talk, and "culture fit"—are a minefield for neurodivergent candidates. This means companies are screening out some of their most brilliant technical and creative thinkers.
The 'Hiring Hub' Model: Microsoft and SAP pioneered this, and it's spreading. Instead of a 30-minute intense interview, candidates spend a few days working on a project. They show their skills in a low-pressure environment. The result? Superior placement rates for Autistic talent.
Accommodations are Cheap: Noise-canceling headphones, flexible seating, and written instructions (vs verbal) cost almost nothing but unlock massive productivity for ADHD brains.
The Innovation Link: Teams with neurodiverse members are 30% more productive. They approach problems laterally ("thinking outside the box" is their default setting). It's a competitive advantage, not charity.