SAP’s Autism at Work program has brought exceptional people into the company and given opportunities to people who weren’t given a chance elsewhere, writes Ronnie Polaneczky for The Philadelphia Inquirer 

To date, SAP has hired more than 160 employees with autism in a variety of positions across 13 countries and 28 locations, including at its American headquarters in Newtown Square.

Autsim at Work was initiated in 2013 by Jose Velasco, vice president of product development. Velasco has two sons who are on the autism spectrum.

“It’s essential to invite people with different perspectives into the creative process,” he said. “If we do that systematically, we become better innovators.”

Many of those with autism have natural talents suited for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).  They also have exceptional memories and sense patterns others might not see.

One colleague with autism was unemployed for five years and often homeless. Today, he’s one of SAP’s highest rated consultants.

“If we have a business need and find that the person with the most capability happens to be on the autism spectrum, we’ll offer them the job,”  Velasco said.

Read more about SAP’s two patents for autism support here.

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