When Microsoft’s corporate vice president Mary Ellen Smith was first informed that her son Shawn had autism, she said the family drove home from the hospital in silence. They were thinking about what the two doctors just told them—that their toddler was on the spectrum and they should limit their expectations of him. Her son … continue reading
A group of researchers from Stanford University have found a new use for Google’s wearable device. The researchers are using it as a behavioral aid for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Individuals on the spectrum often have a hard time recognizing emotions or reading social cues, and the researchers believe the Google Glass can help … continue reading
Microsoft has announced it is opening up a new pilot program with Specialisterne to hire full-time employees that are on the autism spectrum. “People with autism bring strengths that we need at Microsoft; each individual is different, some have amazing ability to retain information, think at a level of detail and depth or excel in … continue reading
Far too many people on the autism spectrum are unable to find meaningful jobs. About 85% of people with this poorly understood disorder in the United States are either unemployed or underemployed, according to the advocacy organization Autism Speaks. One of the many reasons that people on the spectrum are unable to land a job … continue reading
Intense focus, sharp memory and pattern recognition are some of the traits that a great software tester has to have. It so happens that those traits are prominent in individuals on the autism spectrum. Autism is a term used to describe complex disorders of brain development, and a person with autism often experiences difficulties with … continue reading
