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At SAP Sapphire (2024) in Orlando, I had the honor to participate in a session, “From misunderstood to valued: The journey of neurodiversity in workplaces” to share my transformative journey and experiences to foster inclusion and unlock innovation.
Going back a few years, in 2021, at the age of 41, I received a diagnosis that would reshape my understanding of myself—I was identified as being on the autism spectrum.
I am blessed with a beautiful and loving wife, and two exceptional boys, both of whom are also on the spectrum.
Their experiences exemplify the diverse nature of autism, emphasizing that it is not a “one size fits all” condition. One son is non-verbal and sensitive to noise and brightness, stands in contrast to our other son, who started talking early and seeks sensory stimulation through physical contact.
Throughout my life, I sensed that my brain processed information differently, leading to anxiety in social settings. However, the root cause remained elusive until I witnessed the challenges and strengths of my children.
They provided a window into my own life—sensitivity to light, sounds, smells, and textures, coupled with the enjoyment yet draining nature of social interactions. I found solace in drilling into details, and often succumbed to hyper-focus on hobbies or new topics. My brain incessantly processed and sought information, hindering my ability to sleep unless mentally and physically exhausted. The struggle manifested as a late-night rumination on past and future conversations and events.
Seeking answers, I enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania’s Adult Autism Spectrum (AAS) Program. The program, encompassing individual consultations and family interviews, aimed to decipher my diagnosis and outline a plan forward. The experience, marked by self-reflection and discovery, culminated in the revelation of my official diagnosis—a missing piece to my life's puzzle.
Despite the clarity gained from the diagnosis, I hesitated to disclose it beyond my manager and immediate team.
Gradually, I opened up, motivated by the overwhelming love and support from my family and colleagues at SAP. The pandemic, with its virtual meetings and ubiquitous video conferencing, heightened my discomfort due to my struggle with making eye contact. Disclosing my diagnosis became a crucial step, enabling collaboration with HR and my manager to create accommodations that allowed me to be authentic and comfortable in my work environment.
The first half of my life saw academic success, marriage, family, and career advancement. As I embark on the second half, armed with newfound resources, I aspire to be an advocate for those on the autism spectrum. I aim to instill confidence in who I am, contribute to SAP's commitment to Diversity & Inclusion and serve as a role model for my children.
In the realm of digital marketing, I leverage the analytical aspect of my brain to make data-driven decisions, reveling in the daily challenges that demand creative problem-solving. Managing a diverse team built on trust and respect has been profoundly rewarding, emphasizing the beauty of our differences and the generation of innovative ideas that challenge the norm.
At SAP, we believe in bringing everything you are, and to become everything you want to be.
Grateful for the support I've received, I recognize the importance of telling my story to raise awareness about the needs of others on the spectrum.
As I navigate this journey, I aim to contribute to the ongoing work of creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and has equal opportunities and access to resources.
This story is in Brian's own words.
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Useful Links
- SAP Autism Inclusion Pledge website
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