The Neurodiverse Experience in a Remote Setting & How Companies Can Improve

The remote workplace can be a boon or a minefield for neurodiverse employees; it depends whom you ask. Some may find that no office white noise helps them focus better, while some may struggle with too many Slack messages that used to be quick face-to-face chats. In this talk, Marcelle Ciampi, Autistic Author & Senior Manager of DEI at Ultranauts Inc., discusses the neurodiverse remote work experience, and what remote organizations must do better to support their neurodiverse employees’ success.

Marcelle Ciampi

Bridget Finkeldey

Samantha Craft, M.Ed. (a.k.a. Marcelle Ciampi), a respected Autistic author, international ambassador, and inspirational community builder, is best known for her writings found in the well-received blog and book Everyday Aspergers. Craft is the Senior Manager of DEI at Ultranauts Inc., a fully remote engineering firm with an Autistic hiring initiative (featured in the New York Times), where Craft is credited for largely architecting a universal design approach to workplace inclusion. Some of her works, especially The Autistic Traits List, have been translated into multiple languages and widely shared in counseling offices around the globe. Her works have led 1000s to diagnoses. A former school teacher, Craft has corresponded directly with over 10,000 individuals on the autism spectrum and been featured in numerous articles, books, and research papers. Considered an expert in the field of neurodiversity in the workplace, by key thought leaders, her knowledge is shared through training and consultancy work at Fortune 500 companies. She serves as the founder of Spectrum Suite LLC, the Co-Founder of The Diversity with Dignity Global Roundtable, and Co-Executive of neuroguides.org. Current and past endeavors include serving as a board member or advisor with autism organizations and conferences, including the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit, Neuroclastic, and The Art of Autism. Her upcoming book, Autism in a Briefcase: Straight talk about belonging in a neurodiverse world, is based on 3000 hours of study. Craft is a proud contributor to the book Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism and is a doctoral student in the field of organizational leadership and social justice. Recent appearances include AstraZeneca, Deloitte, Accenture, and Bank of New York Mellon. Marcelle is a dyslexic, dyspraxic, hyperlexic Autistic (diagnosed Aspergers) with gifted intellect and ADHD attributes. Two of her three adult sons are neurovariant, as is her life partner J. David Hall, the CEO of LifeGuides for Autistics. They reside joyfully ever after in the evergreen of the Pacific Northwest in North America.

Meg Alexander

Bridget Finkeldey

Meg Alexander joined the PowerToFly community as a job-seeker in 2014, eventually landing her first remote role working for PowerToFly's Delivery Team. Her professional experience includes roles as a Talent Advocate, Head of Purchasing for a window factory, audiobook publishing, & more than 5 years as a paralegal. She has a bachelor's degree in Art History from Indiana University (mint condition, never been used!), where she also earned a varsity letter for Women's Rowing. She loves DIY projects and will never say no to french fries. She lives in Toledo, OH with her husband Aaron, an engineering technician, and their dogs, Radar & Cake.