Neurodiverse workers could be better suited to the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence, a UK tech boss has said during Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
Josh Hough, founder of home care software firm CareLineLive, said many employers are overlooking a highly capable talent pool at a time when businesses are racing to adopt new technology. He said traits often linked to neurodiversity — including focus, pattern recognition and problem-solving — are becoming more valuable as AI reshapes the workplace.
A lot of businesses still want people who tick every box. The reality is, people who think differently often solve problems differently. In a world where everything is changing quickly, that's a real advantage. You need people who don't just follow a process, but can see a better way of doing things.
Hough said his own experiences have shaped how he approaches hiring and management. The entrepreneur was born with a rare muscle-weakening condition and spent much of his early life in a wheelchair. He said this forced him to approach problems differently from a young age.
When you grow up having to do things differently you don't assume the standard way is the best way. That carries through into business.
CareLineLive, which launched in 2014, now works with more than 700 home care providers across multiple countries and is used by over 25,000 carers. The company develops software to help care providers manage staff, patient records and communication with families and healthcare professionals.
Not everyone is going to fit a traditional mould. But that doesn't mean they can't be excellent at what they do. If anything, in the current environment, thinking differently is exactly what businesses need.
