Senior executive Mary Ellen Smith was quoted as saying: “People with autism bring strengths that we need at Microsoft.”
Announcing the new scheme in a blog, Smith said: “Each individual is different; some have an amazing ability to retain information, think at a level of detail and depth or excel in math or code.”
Recruitment firm Specialisterne will help run a new hiring scheme.
The firm, which operates in Denmark and Britain, works with firms in information technology and other sectors to promote the skills of people with autism for specific vacancies.
Britain’s National Autistic Society welcomed the move and said other firms should do more to tap into the skills offered by many people with autism.
The society’s Sarah Lambert was quoted as saying: “Many may have strengths such as accuracy, a good eye for detail and reliability, which can benefit all sorts of businesses, not just the technology industry.“
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