Aspiritech, a Chicago-based tech startup, is a software testing firm that exclusively hires people with Asperger’s syndrome. Why? Because apparently, people suffering from Asperger’s make for the perfect software tester. And this isn’t even news! Studies have shown people with Asperger’s thriving in tech fields because it supposedly makes them feel “safe” and gives them “control”.
The founder of Aspiritech takes it a step further:
Recent research from Harvard Business School and others showed that the strengths of people with Aspergers and high-functioning autism actually make them superior at software testing. They’re ability to focus, good memory, their high intelligence, their strong technical skills, their ability to detect details and also to stay focused over lengthy periods, really makes them ideal for software testing work. People with Aspergers can become ideal software testers.
Let’s face it, it sounds a helluva lot like exploitation. But! The founders of the company have a son who suffered from Asperger’s and got fired from his previous job. They’re hoping to “solve the employment challenge of individuals with Asperger’s syndrome and high functioning autism”. Let’s hope it’s not anything more malicious than that. [ZDNet]