Collaboration
We prioritise collaboration from all stakeholders through a co-design process to create a meaningful and effective project.
Autism SA worked with a passionate collaborative group of individuals committed to creating environments where everyone feels connected and has a sense of belonging. We all believe that when people feel they belong, great things happen—not only for individuals but also for the organisations they work in. This was our motivator for creating Neuro-Inclusive Recruiting.
“We believe neuro-inclusive recruiting marks an essential evolution in the way hiring is approached. By changing traditional practices, organisations can embrace neurodiversity, driving greater innovation, performance, and a more inclusive workplace culture. At the same time, removing barriers for neurodivergent job seekers enables everyone to contribute to Australia’s vibrant workforce. Together, we can transform recruitment into a more equitable and inclusive process, paving the way for diverse and dynamic workplaces.” – Niki Welz, Project Manager.
This project was delivered by a neurodiverse team at Autism SA. The team established three National Advisory Groups, which included neurodivergent employees and employers involved in recruitment processes across various organisations in different industries. Additionally, the team engaged with stakeholders nationwide through surveys and interviews, while also commissioning Adelaide University to conduct a Literature Review ensuring that the resource is as comprehensive and effective as possible.
Over the past three years, Niki Welz has managed the development of the Neuro-Inclusive Recruiting project. As a neurodivergent professional with 14 years in the autism field, she has championed..
Read moreGreg Healy has worked at Autism SA for the past 25 years in many different services and roles. He co-ordinated Employment Services and has supported autistic adults to find work…
Read moreHannah Badenhop has worked across many roles over her 4 years at Autism SA. As a neurodivergent person herself, Hannah strives to champion inclusion through everything she does. Hannah was..
Read moreIsabella Collins has worked at Autism SA for over 7 years across several roles, using her passion for digital strategy to drive access and inclusion in the community. As the..
Read moreI joined Autism SA in September 2023 as a Digital Marketing Officer, where I embraced the opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation. During my time at Autism SA, I..
Read moreMy name is Rohan and I am a learning design and development specialist, a storyteller, and a neurodiverse person—three traits that shape how I create and communicate. As a digital..
Read moreHelen Graham has worked at Autism SA for nearly 4 years and has played many important roles, including her current role, in which she feels very privileged to be the..
Read moreI am a Neurodivergent employee. I took part in this project because I think it is very important for employers to understand more about how to work with neurodivergent employees..
Read moreKhadija Gbla, is a renowned award-winning intuitive speaker, human rights activist and compassionate thought leader. Born in Sierra Leone, Khadijia came to Australia as a refugee at the age of..
Read moreHi I’m Anna and I am 46 years old. I was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD (impulsive/inattentive/hyperactive at the age of 43. This changed my world and how I see..
Read moreWith a background in events, project management and operations, Tara has over 16 years’ experience in senior general management, having previously worked at the Port Adelaide Football Club and Adelaide..
Read moreLou Zoanetti is the Founder and Managing Director of Brightworks, an early careers consultancy dedicated to helping businesses attract, engage, and retain top emerging talent. With 15 years of industry..
Read moreJen was inspired to join the National Advisory Group to leverage her lived experience as a mother of four (two neurotypical and two neurodiverse) alongside her professional background in the..
Read moreAs a passionate advocate for inclusive workplaces, I’m proud to be part of Autism SA’s inclusive recruitment project. With a strong background in talent acquisition and a deep commitment to..
Read moreKate is a neurodivergent employee living in Melbourne, Victoria. She became involved in this project as she is passionate about improving employment outcomes for neurodivergent folks in general. She has..
Read moreI was an Offset Printer and a Production Manager and had a very successful life until burning out in my late 30s. From there I ended up homeless and living..
Read moreWorking across the health and disability sectors for over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to organisations dedicated to improving lives. My work spans large, publicly listed companies,..
Read moreJeremy is an AuDHD software developer turned startup founder. He is passionate about helping other neurodivergent people thrive at work. His startup, Focus Bear, is an executive functioning enhancement system..
Read moreIan Handley is a first-time dad of 1, Australian Air Force veteran, organisational development specialist, and business strategist. With over 17 years of experience across multiple sectors, he combines expertise..
Read moreI was diagnosed autistic at 26. I am a librarian and also I volunteer regularly with the SA Museum and RSPCA. I loved that this project gave me an opportunity..
Read moreI’m Pen, and I hail from Tassie. I’ve worked with Autism SA in an advisory role priviously, and have also worked as an Autistic Consultant for Autism Tas. I enjoy..
Read moreBusiness Development Officer Disability Employment Services David has worked in disability employment services for 15 years and assisted may neuro-diverse people into jobs of their choice and helped create long-lasting..
Read moreSabrina and her husband David run Chess Life Academy and coach chess at schools, libraries and privately for over a decade in South Australia. Her work focuses on an inclusive..
Read moreLearning he was autistic at the age of 19, Dorian was able to find his identity for the first time in his life. Before then, Dorian used to think he..
Read moreDiagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2007 (when that was still a diagnosis), Zoran Bekric has worked in a variety of industries, but is currently employed at Autism SA, where his..
Read moreAutistic. They/star/she. I was diagnosed when I was 8 and am a strong advocate for autism acceptance.
Read moreNeurodivergent She/Her
Read moreTanya is a HR Manager from Together We Can International Pty Ltd (TWCI) with a focus on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. I prioritise open communication, employee well-being,..
Read moreAustralian Spatial Analytics (ASA) is one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing work-integrated social enterprises. Since 2020, ASA has created geospatial and digital engineering careers for more than 150 young neurodivergent..
Read moreWe prioritise collaboration from all stakeholders through a co-design process to create a meaningful and effective project.
We genuinely believe in the power of great neurodiversity and the positive impact it has on both individuals and organisations. Our commitment to inclusion is not just a statement—it’s at the heart of everything we do, driving meaningful change and long-term success.
Our resource is designed to be practical, grounded in real-world experiences, and trustworthy. It is relevant, realistic and credible.
Language is a powerful way to promote positivity and to influence perceptions, attitudes and beliefs.
Language preferences are deeply individual.
As an organisation, Autism SA is continuously listening and reviewing the use of language relating to autism to ensure that current views are represented in our written and spoken language.
We strive to identify and reflect an individual’s language preferences whenever possible.
Neuro-inclusive Recruiting reflects the diverse language preferences of the Autistic community by using both Person-first (“a person on the autism spectrum”) and Identity-first language (“an autistic person”).
We are committed to continuously seeking feedback from the community. Please direct all feedback to feedback@autismsa.org.au
Neuro-inclusive Recruiting is an initiative of Autism SA. As Australia’s longest-standing autism peak body, Autism SA offers a range of supports and services to empower individuals and promote inclusion. Learn more about Autism SA .