April is National Neurdoviersity Month and we want to celebrate by highlighting a common misconception. Some people believe that just because a person isn’t neurotypical means they aren’t the best at computer science or tech in general. We are here to shut down that misconception.

Firstly, who are Neurodivergent people?

Neurodivergent people are individuals who process information differently from the way a Neurotypical person would process something. These can be people with autism, dyslexia, ADD and other forms of neurodiversity. According to some experts, about 15 - 20% of the population is neurodivergent.

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

In 2015, JP Morgan created a neurodiversity program called Autism at Work. They reported back that employees in the Autism at Work program were 48% faster at completing tasks and 92% more productive than their neurotypical peers. Over in Australia, their Department of Human Services found that the organization’s neurodiverse software testing teams were 30% more productive than neurotypical teams.

Neurodiversity in Tech and Computer Science

According to the Harvard Business Review and other publications, many of the traits associated with neurodiversity — the ability to recognize patterns, attention to detail, concentration over long periods of time, and low tolerance for mistakes — are in line with the skills necessary to be successful in computer programming. Companies like Microsoft and SAP now have initiatives to recruit neurodiverse adults because the gains from their unique skills are unparalleled.

As it is, the state of Texas does not have any computer literacy requirements for students who receive special services and have an IEP in place. Coincidentally, individuals who are the most apt to excel in computer science are those with neurodiversities. There is a great need throughout society to address life after public school for the disabled and neurodiverse. Learning code is not only a gateway to success and independence, but it helps answer the question that every parent of a child with special needs has: What happens after high school?

Here at Youth Code Jam, our goals are:

• To get children excited about computer science and the endless possibilities that exist within the world of coding.
• To be the go to organization where neurodiverse children can feel safe to explore, invent, and grow.
• To collaborate and build relationships in the public and private sector, so that together, we can help build a better world.

Our inclusivity knows no bounds at Youth Code Jam. If you are the parent of a Neurodiverse child, we want you to know that this is a place where they are always welcome and cherished, and where they can be successful.

With our strong relationship with the autsim Community Network in San Antonio, we are able to rbing multiple coding camps throughout the year with their Camp AUsome program. We also put on our Low Sensory Jam in November for all levels of coders to enjoy!

Consider donating to help us continue giving these opportunities to kids with Neurodiversities all around San Antonio.