Embracing Neurodiversity: Autism in the Workplace

October marks Disability Employment Awareness Month, a pivotal time to recognize the invaluable contributions and untapped potential of individuals with disabilities in the workforce, particularly autistic individuals. Despite possessing exceptional skills and qualifications, a staggering 80-90% of autistic people face unemployment, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive hiring practices, tailored accommodations, and a shift in societal perceptions. By embracing neurodiversity and promoting autism acceptance, we can tap into innovative thinking, foster a culture of inclusion, and unlock economic potential. This month, let's amplify autistic voices, promote autism awareness, and advance inclusive employment by developing and implementing autism-friendly hiring practices and workplace accommodations, ultimately building a more diverse, innovative, and successful workforce where autistic individuals can thrive.

For years, I've been driven to start a business, but the perfect idea eluded me. Now, I've identified my true calling: a venture combining design expertise with autism advocacy. This synergy of passions – entrepreneurship, creative design, and autism support – drives me to bring this meaningful vision to reality. As an aspiring entrepreneur, I'm eager to leverage my skills to create a positive impact, fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusion.

Autism in entrepreneurship brings unique benefits. As an autistic individual, I leverage my creativity and passion to promote positive autism representation. My designs and products go beyond everyday items, spreading messages of acceptance and inclusion:

• "Autism Inspiring Endless Possibilities" – embracing potential

• "Autism Where Small Things are Big Celebrations" – honoring small wins (my personal favorite)

• "Autism Is Not a Tragedy, Running Out of Coffee Is" – injecting humor into advocacy (my best-seller)

• “Autism Is Not a Tragedy Running Out of Beer Is” - Laughter as activism: Leveraging comedy to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion.

"Autism Inspiring Endless Possibilities" – embracing potential

"Autism Where Small Things are Big Celebrations" – honoring small wins (my personal favorite)

"Autism Is Not a Tragedy, Running Out of Coffee Is" – injecting humor into advocacy (my best-seller) 

“Autism Is Not a Tragedy Running Out of Beer Is” - Laughter as activism: Leveraging comedy to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion.

Through my work, I aim to challenge stereotypes, foster a culture of understanding, and celebrate the strengths of autistic individuals.

Our Empowerment Through Purchase initiative invites you to join a community that values inclusivity, promoting autism acceptance and empowerment with every purchase.

• Challenging Stereotypes: We are dedicated to dispelling harmful misconceptions and myths surrounding autism through comprehensive education and awareness initiatives. By challenging pervasive stereotypes and promoting acceptance, we strive to create a more inclusive environment that fosters equal opportunities for autistic individuals. The damaging effects of misconceptions about autism are far-reaching, significantly impacting employment prospects and perpetuating stigma. Through targeted education and awareness, we aim to break down these barriers, empowering autistic individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.

• Fostering Understanding: We promote inclusive environments and practices, supporting autism-friendly initiatives and policies that foster a welcoming space for all. Inclusive environments extend beyond sensory-friendly hours, although these are valuable steps. Notable examples include Walmart's sensory-friendly hours, where lights are dimmed, music and TVs are turned off, and similar initiatives by AMC, Chuck E. Cheese, and select theaters. Businesses can further enhance inclusivity by offering quiet areas or sensory rooms, natural lighting, flexible seating, and autism acceptance training. These accommodations ensure autistic individuals and people with other neurodivergent conditions feel valued and supported, enabling them to fully participate in various settings.

• Celebrating Strengths: At Benderstar Digital, we proudly amplify autistic voices, spotlighting achievements and contributions, and empowering autistic leadership. Through positive messaging and inclusive practices, we celebrate the strengths and talents of autistic individuals. As an autistic entrepreneur, our Empowerment Through Purchase mission drives us to create a platform where the autistic community can thrive, fostering a culture of acceptance and self-advocacy. By promoting autistic excellence and potential, we aim to shift the narrative around autism, replacing stigma with empowerment and pride.

By achieving this mission, I aim to:

• Enhance the lives and opportunities of autistic individuals.

• Build a society that values and celebrates neurodiversity.

• Drive positive change and progress towards a more inclusive future.

As an autistic individual, my job search journey was defined by unwavering resilience and determination. Leveraging my unique autistic perspective, I bring distinctive strengths to the table, including innovative thinking, analytical expertise, and unrelenting passion. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (Marketing major, Entrepreneurship and Digital Marketing minor), I was well-prepared for a successful career.

However, I faced a common challenge many autistic individuals encounter: traditional employment opportunities often fail to recognize and harness our strengths. Despite my qualifications and potential, I struggled to secure a role that would utilize my skills and provide a supportive environment where I could thrive.

Bailey Bender, owner of Benderstar Digital and FAU graduate

Undeterred, I took control of my future and founded my own business. Empowered by resilience and determination, I now harness my autistic strengths to drive innovation and success. This entrepreneurial path allows me to:

• Leverage creative problem-solving and analytical skills

• Channel passion into meaningful projects

• Foster inclusive, neurodiverse-friendly business practices

• Develop innovative marketing strategies

• Cultivate strong relationships with clients and partners

• Create products and services that showcase autistic talents

By turning obstacles into opportunities, I've transformed my autistic differences into a catalyst for entrepreneurial success. My business serves as a platform for:

• Promoting autism acceptance and understanding

• Celebrating neurodiversity and its contributions

• Breaking down barriers for autistic entrepreneurs

• Providing resources and support for neurodivergent individuals

• Empowering families and parents of autistic individuals with education, community, and advocacy

• Fostering inclusive environments for autistic children and adults to thrive

Through my journey, I've learned the value of:

• Self-advocacy and empowerment

• Embracing uniqueness and individuality

• Building a supportive community

• Fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance

Now, I'm dedicated to paying it forward, helping others navigate their own entrepreneurial paths, and creating a more inclusive and accepting business landscape.

My entrepreneurial venture has empowered me to thrive in a setting tailored to my needs, leveraging autonomy to channel my unique strengths. This platform showcases autistic talents and perspectives, highlighting value in the business world. Through inclusive, positive autism products, I foster a culture of acceptance. Now, I'm dedicated to breaking down barriers for autistic entrepreneurs, promoting autism understanding and acceptance in the business community, and celebrating neurodiversity's pivotal role in driving innovation and success.

With the launch of Benderstar Digital, an autistic-owned business, a new era of autism acceptance, empowerment, and inclusivity begins. By integrating design excellence with passionate autism advocacy, we break down stereotypes and misconceptions, foster empathy and understanding, and celebrate the exceptional contributions of autistic individuals. This innovative approach empowers autistic voices, challenges systemic barriers, and promotes a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.

Through innovative products, education, and community-building, Benderstar Digital empowers autistic individuals, families, and caregivers, while promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusivity. By harnessing the power of neurodiversity, this mission-driven business unlocks economic potential, drives social change, and paves the way for a more inclusive future.

As we recognize Disability Employment Awareness Month, Benderstar Digital serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative impact of embracing autism acceptance and neurodiversity in the business world. By supporting this vision, we can:

• Unlock the talents and potential of autistic individuals

• Foster a culture of inclusion and acceptance

• Break down barriers to employment and entrepreneurship

• Create a more diverse, innovative, and successful workforce

Join the Empowerment Through Purchase movement. With every purchase, you:

• Amplify autistic voices

• Promote autism acceptance and understanding

• Support inclusive business practices

• Empower autistic entrepreneurs and leaders

• Contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society

Join the movement. Embrace neurodiversity. Empower autistic individuals. Together, let's build a brighter, more inclusive future – one design, one product, and one conversation at a time.

Bailey Bender, autistic founder of Benderstar Digital