As part of the merger, auticon and Unicus say they will together become one of the largest autistic majority organisations in the world, with 465 of their 575 employees (81%) on the autism spectrum, operating across 14 countries.

The companies are capitalising on the increased push for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. Companies across the world are now either mandated or encouraged to report ESG findings. While lots of attention is paid to environmental practices due to the looming climate crisis, organisations’ social structures – such as diversity and inclusion standards – remain of equal importance. 

The unified entity will pool their efforts and seek to set new standards for neurodiverse employment. To do this, auticon provides organisations with a tailored approach on how to harness tech and date expertise along with neurodivergent thinking within their teams. 

“We don’t offer off-the-shelf solutions. Understanding your business and the people you work with is crucial. We acknowledge that each neurodivergent person is unique, just like each business,” said Emma Walker, regional director Scotland at auticon.

Autistic consultants employed for an organisation work on a project basis, and have already worked with several financial services organisations such as Lloyds Banking Group. 

According to the office for national statistics, only 16% of autistic adults are in full-time employment, while 32% are in paid work at all. However, in the midst of a skills gap in the tech sector, neurodiverse workers could be an asset.

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According to Employers Neurodiversity Network, autistic workers have a lot to offer an organisation such as excellent problem solving skills, unique skill sets, industry disruption and innovation capabilities, and higher productivity than neurotypical workers. 

“With our shared DNA and vision for a more inclusive world, the combination of Unicus and auticon’s extensive experience sets the stage for meaningful change, innovation, and the creation of a leading social enterprise focused on neurodiversity,” said Lars Johansson-Kjellerød, founder and CEO of Unicus.