Australian uni sets up career hub for autistic, PTSD students

Its new Neurodiversity Hub aims to provide employment opportunities students with autism, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other neurodiverse needs, a demographic group who usually face hurdles in getting jobs.

The fruit of the partnership between the University of Queensland and DXC Technology aims to help students gain work experience with DXC and its partner organisations.

Dr Anna Krzeminska from UQ Business School says neurodiversity can be a beneficial trait in the workplace, and the Neurodiversity Hub would help connect these skilled students with employers.

“For example, individuals with mild forms of autism have normal to above-normal cognitive abilities that could greatly benefit the productivity and competitiveness of organisations,” she said.

“And yet, people with autism experience the lowest labour force participation rates when compared to any other demographic in Australia.”

A new partnership between #UQ and @DXCTechnology to provide a hub to support students with autism into employment.

Find out more: https://t.co/1GqgA8fCye pic.twitter.com/YsHhE7RKEh

— UQ Business School (@UQ_Business) January 18, 2018

The University of Queensland Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Joanne Wright welcomes the new hub adding to the university’s support for students with diverse needs.

“This is a great opportunity for us to help more students access workplace experiences that enhance their employability, boost their job confidence and to make vital connections with large-scale employers,” Wright said.

“We are excited to see the outcomes of UQ research being used immediately to support Queensland’s neurodiverse student population, including our own, and to boost their employment outcomes after graduation.”

Liked this? Then you’ll love these…

Kent grammar school creates ‘unsafe space’ to combat political correctness

What’s the deal with ‘llama therapy’ on campus?