Ferring Pharmaceutical Celebrates Diversity
CELEBRATE DIVERSITY
People experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways. Differences are not deficits.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a New Jersey-based worldwide bio-pharma firm, hosted a panel, “Autism Awareness and Neurodiversity Issues in the Workplace” on April 28, 2022, that featured Autism New Jersey’s Executive Director, Dr. Suzanne Buchanan, and other experts from across the country. More than 60 employees gathered to participate.
Moderator and Ferring Employee, Robert Allen, himself a parent of a teenage son with autism, suggested an autism panel to leaders of Ferring’s internal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program. With a focus on building understanding of diverse employee populations and the diverse communities in which employees live and work, the program’s ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive workplace and community.
Addressing neurodiversity was a natural fit, especially during April, Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month.
“Neurodiversity is the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways, there is no one ‘right’ way of thinking, and differences are not viewed as deficits,” explained Aney Chandy, Ferring’s Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
“At Ferring we are working to foster an atmosphere of inclusion, equity and a feeling of belonging, where people can bring their true selves to work and where diverse talent is represented at all levels,” says Aney. “Raising awareness and understanding helps to support a more engaged, caring and productive organization.”
In addition to Dr. Buchanan, the panel featured experts from the UC Davis MIND Institute in California and Specialisterne, an employee consulting firm that helps individuals with autism thrive in the workplace. The panel featured a vibrant discussion of how neurodiversity enhances workplaces and engaged all employees to help them better understand the experiences of their colleagues who are neurodivergent and those of their colleagues who have neurodivergent family members. From accommodations for work and communication styles to the everyday reality of severe autism for parents, the full spectrum was represented, acknowledged, and embraced.
As moderator Robert Allen explained, “Nearly 1 in 8 people have neurodiversity conditions such as autism” adds Robert. “Impacted people can be our colleagues, our family members, members of our community, or kids at the school your kids attend.”
We thank Ferring for allowing Autism New Jersey to be represented on the esteemed panel and for hosting such an important topic in an effort to educate its employees and improve opportunities for those with autism.
Panelists:
Leonard Abbeduto, Ph.D. – Director, UC Davis MIND Institute
David Amaral, Ph.D. – UC Davis MIND Institute
Suzanne Buchanan, Psy.D., BCBA-D – Executive Director, Autism New Jersey
Jennifer Feldman – Manager, Corporate Engagement of Specialisterne, North America
Chuck Gardner, among the founding families of the UC Davis MIND Institute