MIND SHIFT

Do you have a friend, neighbor, family member, or relative on the autism spectrum? Chances are, you do.

According to the CDC, 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, and many more remain undiagnosed. Autism is more common than most people realize, and the individuals living with it are all around us; some are diagnosed, and some are still navigating life without a formal understanding of what makes them different.

Take Jon, a 24-year-old software engineer who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 7. Growing up, he struggled to connect with his peers, feeling different but not fully understanding why. The school was challenging—noisy classrooms, group activities, and unspoken social rules often overwhelmed him. Yet, Jon had an incredible talent for patterns, problem-solving, and technology. He would spend hours tinkering with computers, finding joy in coding and creating things others couldn't easily see.

But it wasn’t until Jon connected with Mind Shift that his career truly took off. Mind Shift provided Jon with specialized training that aligned with his strengths, and more importantly, helped him find a workplace that appreciated his unique skills. Through Mind Shift’s support, Jon found a company that embraces neurodiversity and offers the accommodations he needs to thrive, from flexible hours to a quiet workspace.

Jon’s story highlights how the right support, like that from Mind Shift, can unlock the potential in individuals on the autism spectrum. Whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, many autistic people possess incredible talents that, when nurtured, can benefit everyone around them.

So, whether it's a friend, neighbor, or relative, take a moment to learn about their world. With awareness, inclusion, and support from organizations like Mind Shift, we can help more people, like Jon, thrive in their careers and lives.

What is hiring someone on the Autism spectrum like?

Check out:  Forrest's Story

At Mind Shift, our vision is to build a world where all people are valued for their different ways of thinking.

• We are dedicated to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum (ASD) by equipping them with the specialized skills needed to succeed in their careers. 
• By partnering with businesses, we help fill critical roles with highly skilled workers, empowering companies to benefit from the unique strengths that neurodiverse individuals bring to the table. Through our efforts, we create opportunities for businesses and individuals alike, fostering an inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive.

Mind Shift's Challenges in Supporting Employment for Neurodiverse Individuals:

At Mind Shift, we face many challenges as we work to support individuals like Jon on the autism spectrum in their pursuit of meaningful employment. While we assist candidates during the pre-hire process at no cost to them, the actual cost to complete this process is $10,000 per person, which is funded entirely by donations.

• Take Jon's story, for example. With the support of Mind Shift, he received the training and resources he needed to thrive in his career as a software engineer. His success is a testament to what’s possible when individuals are given the opportunity to shine. However, as our partnerships continue to grow, so does the need for more candidates like Jon.
• To meet the increasing demand from our business partners and to reach more individuals on the autism spectrum, we rely on donations to expand our outreach efforts. Whether you have a family member, friend, or relative on the spectrum, your contribution will directly support the cause of neurodiversity in the workplace.

Please consider donating today. With your support, we can build our invaluable team of talented individuals and fill critical job openings. 

For more information about our goals, please see the "Goal and Why" tab above.

*Forbes (Forbes online article April 27, 2021

*CDC (CDC online article April 27, 2020)