In conversation with the new SQ Mag, journal for software quality, Anja Bakker, manager education at Polteq and Polteq trainer Erik Runhaar describe their experiences in working with people with some form of autisme.
Trainer Erik Runhaar, who in his private situation is involved in working with people with autism, was asked to find out how it works when you train people with autisme in classroom situations. In this interview Erik explains what is special about teaching people with autisme and how Polteq works with these students. “People with autism are quite easily distracted. As a trainer you have to make sure that they can focus and that there is no distraction. The challenge for the trainer is more than in other situations react (and change course) on the group: how are they doing, reacting, focussing?”
Specialisterren and AUTHENTICT have successfully supported candidates with autisme to find sofware testing roles and, through their cooperation with Polteq, have made available an extensive training and coaching program.
Anja explains that there are certain challenges in the workplace and daily work situation for people with autisme. “People with autisme can be excellent software testers, but you will have to make some adjustments to help them feel comfortable (in their work) and appreciated as well as to help them overseeing what is expected from them. You need to create the environment which will work for them.”
Read or download the interview “A chance, not an obstacle”.
The complete SQ Mag – ISSUE No 1 can be downloaded here.
