Data analyst Geoffrey Smith recognised the untapped potential of neurodivergent people to contribute to the workforce in Australia.
Geoffrey co-founded Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA), a work-integrated social enterprise providing geo-spatial and engineering services, addressing a skills shortage in the technology industry. Of their employees, 80 per cent are neurodivergent and 61 per cent have come from long-term unemployment, reflecting the social barriers that are often experienced by neurodivergent people.
While the unemployment rate for adults with autism is some ten times higher than that of the general population, Geoffrey knows that their unique skillset can make them an asset in the workplace. ASA’s inclusive practices include a range of workplace supports for executive functioning, social interactions and sensory sensitivities, facilitating participation to employees’ full potential, developing skills and leadership, and providing stable, long-term employment.
Geoffrey is a Social Impact Leadership Australia recipient, and through ASA, aims to employ 1,000 people by 2030.