MicrosoftandComputer Science Corporationare among
a number of companies that are using theskills of people diagnosed with autism within their
software testing processes.
The companies found that people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders
have a greater attention to detail than average, making them
suitable for software testing.
Both companies hired staff and testing services from
Specialisterne, a Danish consultant, which employs and trains
people diagnosed with ASD, to provide software testing
services.
Microsoft outsourced testing on its Windows Media Centre product
and some of the testing of its business software to Specialisterne.
IT consultants with ASD work on software testing tasks where other
people would lose concentration. "This is not corporate social
responsibility. We are using the service because it is comparable
to other commercial testing services," said Microsoft.
CSC has hired staff with ASD to work on-site on projects
including checking documentation and exploration testing. Peter
Forsting, business manager at CSC, said, "{People diagnosed with
ASD] have a photographic memory and notice things that we do not
normally see."
In spite of having an aptitude towards working where focus and
precision are beneficial skills, people diagnosed with the
condition often struggle in a work environment, said Carol Evans,
director of the National Autistic Society Scotland.
But Christian Jenson, an IT consultant with ASD, who has been at
Specialisterne for five months, said, "Previously, [in my last job]
work was very stressful. Working here has boosted my self-esteem. I
have also gained an ISEB software testing qualification."
Thorkill Sonne, founder and chief executive officer of
Specialisterne, said, "People with ASD are able to take in tasks
most people hate."
He said the symptoms associated with autism, such as motivation,
focus, persistence, attention to detail and a high learning
ability, make them good candidates for work in software testing
such as test verification, configuration management and function
point counting.