In our previous blog, we highlighted how auticon's custom-built ATS is enhancing our inclusive recruitment process through technical innovation. We’re excited to share another custom product that integrates with the ATS to capture and share the support needs of each auticon employee: the Support Spectrum. This tool helps us provide more personalized and effective support for our autistic team members and the client teams they work for. We also plan to extend its use to our entire team, as we believe that all employees, whether neurodivergent or not, can thrive and be more productive when their workplace needs and preferences are understood.
We spoke with Gary Jones, a senior delivery manager at auticon and the software architect and technical lead on the ATS and Support Spectrum projects, and Louise Stone, who leads auticon’s recruitment and neuroinclusion services, to learn more.
What is the Support Spectrum application and how does it work?
Gary: The support spectrum application is a tool that we are integrating into our ATS. It contains two parts: First, the employee takes a short questionnaire that asks about their support needs related to various categories, such as communication, sensory, social, and organization. The second part is the reporting functionality, which includes a visual representation of the individual's support needs. This information enables us to educate managers and provide individualized support.
From an organizational view, we can track support needs across the team, identify trends, and use this information to improve our processes as support needs evolve.
A sample talent profile in auticon's ATS, including a Support Spectrum diagram showing the individual's support needs
What’s unique about this approach to tracking and reporting on employees’ support needs?
Louise: This is not something that (to my knowledge) exists already. We use a similar diagram in describing the autism spectrum to our client teams that work with our autistic technologists, to show how an employee may need differing levels of support in different areas. This application allows us to have a truly customized version of that diagram for each employee, which helps their manager and team better understand how to support them.
As Gary mentioned, this tool also allows us to gather detailed data on trends, which we can use to improve our processes and client recommendations.
How will it benefit auticon’s employees, managers and teams?
Louise: The survey format makes it easier for our employees to answer, as opposed to being asked broadly what their needs are. We also know that a person’s support needs can change over time, which is why we will be asking employees to retake the survey periodically so we are up-to-date in terms of support.
It’s hard for managers to remember what supports each person needs, especially when having new team members join. This tool provides a quick visual that can be kept updated so managers know easily what each person needs.
And although the idea of support needs is most often associated with autistic and neurodivergent employees, we also plan to use it for our whole team, which I think is innovative because it shows that all employees have needs and preferences that help them thrive at work.
What was the development process for this product?
Gary: The development process was driven by auticon's team of skilled autistic full-stack software engineers, using Vue.js, Echarts, JavaScript, and TailwindCSS. Our experienced technologists bring unique perspectives and attention to detail to every project. We're readily available to apply our expertise to new software solutions for both existing and prospective clients.
The Support Spectrum is another example of our autistic tech team leading on innovations to support our neurodiverse workforce. By integrating this tool with our ATS, we’re able to deliver highly personalized support and track trends that enhance our overall approach to inclusion. This innovation not only benefits our team members but also supports our managers and clients in creating more effective and neuroinclusive work environments.
About the Authors
Gary Jones is a Delivery Manager for auticon US. Gary has more than 20 years of experience in software development and over a decade in software engineering leadership roles. He specializes in bridging software development, strategy, and innovation for large and entrepreneurial organizations and working with neurodivergent professionals,
Louise Stone leads recruitment and neuroinclusion services for auticon US. Since joining auticon in 2020, she has been at the helm of the company's autism-friendly recruitment process. She has led the development of a “ready to work” community of autistic job seekers and has helped develop and launch a suite of neuroinclusion offerings. Louise is autistic and frequently writes and speaks on autism and employment issues from both her personal and professional experience.