Q1 Topic - Neurodiversity

ATS ACES 2023 DEI Committee

Important Introduction

EU ATS ACES DEI questionnaire 4Q22The revealed that the ACES team expressed an interest in the topic of
neurodiversity via results of the EU ATS ACES DEI 4Q22 questionnaire. The DEI committee have spoken to key
neurodiversity representatives from Amazon, collecting information in order to introduce you to the huge range
of terms and tools available to you should you wish to learn more. It must be said that the DEI committee are
not experts in this field, but peers who have carried out limited research: statistics quoted are just one view,
citations provided are from one source. This topic is broad, personal, and sensitive to many so please keep in
mind that everyone's experience in this space is unique. All the examples and terms in the reference information
are representation of the person or organizations’ individual experiences. We would welcome input from
persons who want to share their personal experiences. The main message here is that everyone has a variety of
ways in which they prefer to communicate and be communicated with. Understanding communication
preferences and social biases should help us to be more inclusive in our communication style and avoid social
biases that can exclude valuable contribution from all. Be kind and respectful to everyone.

Neurodiversity Resources | Thinking Differently at Amazon

About Neurodiversity

Awareness:

Neurodiversity describes the variation in the human experience of the world,; in school, at work, and through
social relationships. Driven by both genetic and environmental factors, an estimated 15-20 percent of the
world's population exhibits some form of neurodivergence.15-20% of the world’s population experience a less
typical way of thinking, feeling or reacting to the world. These individuals sometimes self-identify as
neurodivergent. Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around
them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are
not viewed as deficits.

Neurodivergence includes those who live with Dyslexia, Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
Dyspraxia and other neurological conditions. According to the neurodiversity movement and increasing data,
tThese conditions should be accepted, respected and recognized as a social category alongside any other human
variation i.e. ethnicity or gender.

Neurodiversity Resources | Thinking Differently at Amazon

Neurodiversity Resources | Thinking Differently at Amazon
Neurodiversity Resources | Thinking Differently at Amazon
Neurodiversity Resources | Thinking Differently at Amazon
History and Evolution:

It The term neurodiversity was first used in 1998 by sociologist Judy Singer, who also contributed to its
widespread acceptance alongside journalist Harvey Blume. It places human cognitive variance in relation to
biodiversity and politics of minority groups. This view arose out of the autism rights movement, as a challenge to
prevailing views that certain things currently classified as neurodevelopmental disorders are inherently
pathological. The neurodiversity movement emerged during the 1990s, aiming to increase acceptance and
inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences.

Neurodiversity Statistics and Numbers::

 Worldwide prevalence: 15% to 20% of the population is considered to be neurodiverse.. The World
Health Organization estimates that 1 in 160 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder worldwide in 2019.
Source: https://mydisabilityjobs.com/statistics/neurodiversity-in-the-workplace/

The Average or above-average IQ scores (IQ > 85) occur in 44% of people with Autism Spectrum
Disorder.UK prevalence is reported to be far higher than this in 2021; almost 1 in 50- (source:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2777821)

 Work performance: studies found that neurodiverse teams are 30% more productive than neurotypical
ones and made fewer errors. source: https://mydisabilityjobs.com/statistics/neurodiversity-in-the-
workplace/

 Neurodiversity by gender: Men present more neurodiversity than women worldwide. Source:
https://mydisabilityjobs.com/statistics/neurodiversity-in-the-workplace/
 and at minor scales as well.

 Special abilitiesDyslexia: Approximately 5% to 10% of the global population has dyslexia. Source:
https://mydisabilityjobs.com/statistics/neurodiversity-in-the-workplace/


 Intelligence: Autism presents higher IQ scores than average.

Work performance: studies found that neurodiverse teams are 30% more productive than neurotypical ones
and made fewer errors.

 If you want a new fact in hereAutism: In UK, Autism diagnosis rates have increased roughly 8x in the
last 20 years, and have increased faster in women than men. Source: (you can add Figure 2ii from this
paper as a nice illustration) https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.13505

Neurodiversity Resources | Thinking Differently at Amazon

Current Status in workplace/companies .

Source: https://mydisabilityjobs.com/statistics/neurodiversity-in-the-workplace/ :

Let’s spot some of the findings for launching Neurodiversity from other organizations:

 IBM has created a group with more than 1400 members supporting neurodiversity in the workplace
 Hewlett Packard Enterprise conducted a program that showed that the neurodiverse teams are 30% more
productive than the others.
 Research from a 2018 Deloitte report found that companies with inclusive cultures were six times more
likely to be innovative and agile.
 A report by JPMorgan Chase found that professionals in its Autism at Work initiative made fewer errors and
were 90% to 140% more productive than neurotypical employees.
 Organizations that provide mentors to professionals with a disability reported a 16% increase in profitability,
18% in productivity, and 12% in customer loyalty.

How can employers make theirSome ideas to make the workplaces more neurodiversity-friendly?

 Offer small adjustments to an employee’s workspace to accommodate any sensory needs, such as
o Sound sensitivity: Offer a quiet break space, communicate expected loud noises (like fire drills), offer
noise-cancelling headphones.
o Tactile: Allow modifications to the usual work uniform.
o Movements: Allow the use of fidget toys, allow extra movement breaks, offer flexible seating.
 Use a clear communication style:
o Avoid sarcasm, euphemisms, and implied messages.
o Provide concise verbal and written instructions for tasks, and break tasks down into small steps.
 Inform people about workplace/social etiquette, and don’t assume someone is deliberately breaking the
rules or being rude.
 Try to give advance notice if plans are changing, and provide a reason for the change.
 Don’t make assumptions — ask a person’s individual preferences, needs, and goals.
 Be kind, be patient.

Neurodiversity Resources | Thinking Differently at Amazon

Neurodiversity Resources

What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a concept that regards individuals with differences in brain function and behavioral traits
as part of normal variation in the human population. The movement of Neurodiversity is about uncovering

Neurodiversity Resources | Thinking Differently at Amazon

 the strengths of neurodiverse individuals and supporting their talents to increase innovation and
productivity of our society as a whole.

Neurodivergence includes those who live with Dyslexia, Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia and other neurological
conditions. According to the neurodiversity movement and increasing data, these conditions should be
accepted, respected and recognized as a social category alongside any other human variation i.e. ethnicity
or gender.

Additional Insight
Neurodiversity 101- are we all a ‘bit ADHD’ or not?
https://www.accenture.com/_acnmedia/pdf-89/accenture-disability-inclusion-research-report.pdf

Neurodiversity at Amazon
 Neurodiversity Wiki
 Neurodiversity@Amazon Broadcast channel
o Panel Presentation: Neurodiversity TownHall |With Amazon’s David Carbon, VP Prime Air 
 Neurodiversity Events (Gather Group)
 Chime: Neurodiversity
 Slack:
o #neurodiversity (private)
o #neurodiversity-public
o #autistic-and-neurodiverse-children-families-caregivers
 Community Email Distro: neurodiversity@ (sign-up)
 Direct Email: amazonNeurodiversity@ (reach out)
 People Accessibility Resources
 Neurodiversity Autism Acceptance Month

Articles and Video Resources

 Team solve problems faster when they’re cognitively diverse (HBR)
 LUX PWD AG present Justine Vilgrain talking about Dyslexia
 TED Talk – Understanding Neurodiversity
 Leveraging the power of neurodiversity
 TED Talk – From frustration to fascination: Embracing cognitive diversity
 TED Talk – Neurodiversity and Leadership

Neurodiverse Talent Acquisition

The STAR Program | Spectrum Talent Acquisition and Representation

Interested in Being Potential Panelists/Speaking Volunteers on the subject of Neurodiversity?

 Neurodiversity Speaking Volunteers - Sign-up: Neurodiversity Speaking Volunteers

Work Wellness Coaching Program

 Amazon's Work Wellness Coaching Program (formerly Vocational Coaching)
 Introduction to the Work Wellness Program (VIDEO)

Neurodiversity Resources | Thinking Differently at Amazon

  Work Wellness Toolkit
 Manager Best Practices Toolkit

Resources for Managers

 https://w.amazon.com/bin/view/Work_Wellness_Toolkit/Managertoolkit/
 https://w.amazon.com/bin/view/Neurodiversity/Insights/
 https://w.amazon.com/bin/view/Accessibility/Internala11y/PwDToolkitforManagers#HWelcome
 https://w.amazon.com/bin/view/4DI/Work4DI

Accommodations

Apply online: 
 Go to the DLS portal (Opens in a new tab)  on the Amazon network for single sign-on (SSO), or
 Apply through Amazon A to Z
 Be sure that you are accessing the DLS Portal website with a browser that meets the requirements.

Apply via phone: 

 Call 1-888-892-7180 (Option 1) from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. (Eastern
Standard Time).

Amazon’s EAP (Employee Assistance Program) | You are NOT alone!

 There are some great professional - and FREE - resources available 24/7 to all Amazon employees and
our family and household members. We each get three free confidential counseling sessions — virtual
or in-person — per issue per year.

GET HELP 24/7 via Resources for Living anytime!

 Chat live with a Care Partner, or call 1-833-721-2323
 Get self-paced support through 'My Strength'
 GLOBAL EAP
 Visit the BENEFITS HUB

Additional Resources

People with Disabilities (PWD) Affinity Group

 Amazon PwD wiki
People with Disabilities (PwD) Amazon PWD (person(s) with disabilities) is the affinity group committed
to building a community that supports employees with disabilities and their allies through raising
awareness, supporting career development, participating in community outreach and improving access
for Amazonians and customers.

Mental Health and Well-Being (MHW) Affinity Group

 Mental Health & Well-Being
 Mental Health & Well-Being Neurodiverse Resources wiki
 MHW Community Slack Channel

Neurodiversity Resources | Thinking Differently at Amazon

External and Community Shared Resources

 Embrace Autism
o A platform to source research and explore experience-based information on autism.
 Adjustments for You
o Completing the Genius Adjustment Screener will allow you to explore the work-related strengths and
struggles common to neurominorities. 
 What is Neurodiversity? And Understanding Spiky Profiles
 ND App - The Neurodiversity Strengths and Challenges Screener
 http://rdos.net/eng/Aspie-quiz.php
 http://www.rdos.net/eng/aspeval/
 https://www.discovervibes.com/for-autism-and-sensory-disorders
 Making friends - a guide for autistic adults
 Autism And Friendship
 OpenDyslexic
o A typeface for Dyslexia (Download Now))
 Dynalist: https://dynalist.io/d/vwfQ0pVlak61JlLOi_hS-Unw
 https://doitprofiler.com/
 https://www.lexxic.com/
 What is rejection sensitive dysphoria?
 Adult ADHD Spectrum Self-Test

Recruiting Support

ACAT: Applicant Candidate Accommodation Team

Please reference the following resources to learn more about ACAT, including best practices of
communication with candidates who need accommodations.

 US Disability Accommodations Phone Number:

888-435-9287, Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pacific Time.

 Sim Ticket Submission:

ACAT Sim Ticket Request (Used to submit applicant or candidate’s accommodation request on their
behalf)

 Wiki Pages:
DLS Applicant Candidate Accommodations (ACAT)

 WWCTA Accommodations Toolkit:

https://w.amazon.com/bin/view/WWCTA/AMER/PMO/D%26I/AccomodationsToolkit

 Accessibility Wiki
https://w.amazon.com/bin/view/Accessibility/

Neurodiversity Resources | Thinking Differently at Amazon

Articles and Video Resources

 https://broadcast.amazon.com/videos/604319
 https://broadcast.amazon.com/channels/25730

Key Amazon POC who supported our research

Oliver Gale-Grant (oligg@), Principal Industry Specialist, Behavioral Health Benefits

Naomi Johnson (namijoh@), HR Specialist II, PWD DEI Business Partner

Caroline Mcleod (mcleoca@), Safety Specialist III, Regional Health Management UK

Neurodiversity Resources | Thinking Differently at Amazon