How do new DEI repeals affect Autistic employees?
The repeal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) poses significant challenges for autistic individuals, especially in the workforce. Already, nearly 85 percent of Autistic people struggle to gain or maintain employment due to lack of accommodations and critical support.
Diversity initiatives focus on creating an inclusive and accessible workplace, promoting equal opportunities, and reducing barriers for people with different identities and neurological conditions. This can be a helping factor for the other 15 percent.
Trump-era repeals of DEI initiatives are detrimental to any Autistic person simply trying to maintain an income. Daily life with Autism can already be overwhelming and arduous with simple tasks becoming mountainous obstacles, so workplaces need to offer special accommodations, protections from discrimination, and retention aids. These will be removed in the following years if disgraced reality TV star turned bumbling politician, Donald Trump, has anything to say about it.
So, how do new DEI repeals affect Autistic employees?
Decreased Workplace Accommodations
The repeal could limit support for necessary accommodations for neurodiverse individuals, making work environments less accessible. Without DEI initiatives, businesses may not prioritize providing sensory-friendly workspaces, flexible hours, or assistive technology, which are critical for many Autistic employees.
This could result in neurodivergent folks struggling to meet the demands of their jobs, leading to stress and decreased job satisfaction. As a result, Autistic people might be forced to leave their roles or never be hired in the first place.
Increased Discrimination
Without DEI efforts, there may be a rise in biased hiring practices and stigmas toward neurodiversity. Companies that no longer emphasize diversity may view Autism and other neurodivergent traits through a negative lens, leading to discriminatory practices in recruitment and promotions.
Autistic individuals may face challenges proving their qualifications and abilities due to stereotypes, resulting in lower employment rates. The lack of DEI efforts could also contribute to hostile work environments where Autistic people feel unwelcome or unsupported.
Barriers to Equal Representation
Autistic individuals may face obstacles in leadership roles and career advancement without DEI initiatives to promote inclusion. In a work environment that doesn’t prioritize neurodiversity, the representation of Autistics in senior positions could remain minimal, limiting role models for others.
Autistic employees may also encounter challenges in gaining recognition for their skills and contributions, which could hinder their ability to advance within an organization. This lack of upward mobility can discourage neurodivergent individuals from pursuing long-term careers in certain fields or companies.
Loss of Support Networks
DEI programs often provide critical support networks, which may be dismantled, leaving Autistic employees without mentorship or resources. Many companies have employee resource groups or networks designed to provide guidance and foster connections among neurodiverse employees.
Without DEI initiatives, Autistic people may lose access to these supportive communities, making it harder for them to navigate workplace challenges. Without proper mentorship or guidance, Autistics could feel isolated or uncertain about how to succeed in their careers.
Challenges in Retention
Without a commitment to inclusivity, Autistic people may struggle to stay employed, leading to higher turnover and workplace instability. In an environment that doesn’t prioritize the unique needs of neurodivergent employees, retention rates may decline as Autistic workers seek more supportive workplaces.
The lack of understanding and inclusion can lead to burnout, dissatisfaction, and a sense of not being valued, which ultimately drives employees to leave. Companies that fail to support neurodiverse employees may also face the long-term consequences of increased turnover and difficulty attracting talented Autistic workers.
If you or someone you love could be negatively impacted by the loss of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, you are not helpless. Please consider contacting your elected officials through phone, email, and letter writing campaigns. You could also raise awareness on social media to use your online community to spread the word. Alternatively, consider supporting advocacy groups and nonprofits with funding or volunteer opportunities.
Three groups you could get involved with are the National Diversity Council, the Autism Now Center at The Arc, or the American Civil Liberties Union. Each are actively advocating for policies that support neurodiversity and inclusive workplaces. Your support can help fund campaigns, legal challenges, and education efforts on the importance of DEI in all sectors.
Photo by Aleksandra Sapozhnikova on Unsplash
