Neurodiversity Program launches today with open days in four cities. Editorial Team, Líder Editorial Team April 7, 2026 08:04 The 6th edition of the Neurodiversity Program launches today with a series of open days in several Portuguese cities, an initiative aimed at promoting training and hiring of neurodivergent professionals in the technology sector. The program results from a partnership between Critical Software, Critical TechWorks, NOS, and Caixa Geral de Depósitos, in collaboration with Specialisterne. The initiative emerges within the context of World Autism Awareness Day, observed on April 2, and aims to integrate professionals on the autism spectrum into engineering teams, in addition to raising awareness among companies about the importance of cognitive diversity in complex technological projects. For this edition, the goal is to train and employ around ten participants. The open days are intended for potential candidates, family members, and support professionals, allowing them to get to know the environment of the partner companies, clarify doubts, and better understand the professional integration process. Critical Software hosts the first sessions today and tomorrow, at the offices in Coimbra and Viseu, respectively. This is followed by Critical TechWorks, which opens its doors on April 9, in Porto. The last session is scheduled for April 15, in Lisbon, at the NOS facilities. The program is free but requires prior registration. People with an autism diagnosis interested in the technology field can apply through the initiative's website. Catarina Fonseca, coordinator of the Neurodiversity Program at Critical Software, emphasizes that the new edition reinforces the company's commitment to more inclusive work environments. "Integrating autistic professionals into the company has been a very rewarding journey, marked by learning and significant evolution at both individual and organizational levels. It represents a clear contribution to more innovative and productive teams," she states. Also, Fernanda Lima, project coordinator at Specialisterne, highlights the impact of the initiative. "In addition to the direct effect on the lives of the hired individuals, it is encouraging to witness the gradual breaking of paradigms and the promotion of a fairer and more inclusive society," she notes. From the perspective of the partner companies, the program is also a way to identify talent still underrepresented in the job market. Diana Silva, people manager at Critical TechWorks, argues that diverse teams are essential for developing more robust technological solutions. "These open days bring candidates and families closer to the reality of the company and show that inclusion is part of how we work," she states. Isabel Carla Silva, responsible for the People Experience and internal communication area at NOS, emphasizes that diversity is a central pillar for innovation and the company's growth. Meanwhile, Francisco Viana, from the People and Culture department of Caixa Geral de Depósitos, believes that participation in the project reinforces an organizational culture based on respect and valuing differences. Created in 2021 through a partnership between Critical Software and Specialisterne, the Neurodiversity Program has been growing over the past few years. Currently, 39 professionals trained by the initiative work in different units of the involved employer entities. Since its launch, the program has received over 280 applications and provided training to around 70 people. In 2024, the initiative was internationally distinguished by Zero Project, an organization that recognizes innovative projects in the area of inclusion of people with disabilities in domains such as education, employment, and social participation. Topics.

Training and hiring neurodivergent professionals in the technology sector. Neurodiversity Program starts on April 7th with four open days in various cities. Critical Software, Critical TechWorks, NOS, and Caixa Geral de Depósitos are the partner companies for this sixth edition of the initiative in collaboration with Specialisterne. Thinking skills for business leaders and managers concept. Team, critical, creative, systematic thinking skills. Upskilling, reskilling, new skills for employee competency development. Business success. March 28, 2026, 23:01 Critical Software, Critical TechWorks, NOS, and Caixa Geral de Depósitos are partners in the 6th edition of the Neurodiversity Program, which begins on April 7th, with four open days. The initiative, which falls within the scope of World Autism Awareness Day (April 2nd), promotes the integration of professionals on the autism spectrum into engineering teams and raises awareness about the importance of integrating these employees into the job market, particularly in complex projects. The goal for 2026 is to train and employ approximately 10 people. The program is conducted in collaboration with Specialisterne, a social organization dedicated to the professional inclusion of autistic individuals and other neurodivergent conditions. During the 'open' days, potential candidates, their families, and support professionals can directly contact the environment of the partner companies and have all their questions answered. Critical Software is the first company to host the open days on April 7th and 8th at its offices in Coimbra and Viseu, respectively. Next is Critical TechWorks, which opens its doors on April 9th at its Porto offices. On April 15th, it will be NOS's turn to host the open day in Lisbon. The program is free but requires registration. Interested individuals with an autism diagnosis and an interest in the technology field should register on the initiative's website through this link. 'We want this program to continue growing the community of neuro-inclusive companies in Portugal and for the impact to translate into more qualified jobs for autistic professionals,' says Catarina Fonseca, Coordinator of the Neurodiversity Program at Critical Software. Fernanda Lima, project coordinator at Specialisterne, highlights, in turn, the 'direct impact' that the program has on the 'life of each hired neurodivergent person,' emphasizing the importance of 'gradually breaking paradigms and promoting a fairer, more inclusive, and equitable society.' For Diana Silva, Head of People at Critical TechWorks, the company believes that 'diverse teams are essential to creating more innovative and robust technological solutions.' This program, she emphasizes, 'allows us to identify talent that often hasn't found the right opportunities in the job market and create conditions for professionals on the autism spectrum to develop their skills and contribute to high-impact projects.' 'Opening the company's doors through these open days is also a way to bring candidates and families closer to our reality and show that inclusion is part of how we work,' she adds. Isabel Carla Silva, responsible for People Experience & Internal Communication at NOS, expresses the conviction that 'diversity is an essential pillar for innovation and growth.' 'By integrating neurodivergent professionals, we are not only enriching our talent and fostering closer, more empathetic, and innovative teams but also reinforcing our commitment to social responsibility and creating a lasting positive impact on the technological community and society in general,' emphasizes Isabel Carla Silva. For Francisco Viana, responsible for the People and Culture Directorate at Caixa Geral de Depósitos, 'this connection to the project reinforces Caixa's commitment to practices that consolidate an organizational culture based on respect and valuing diversity and inclusion.' 'There is no doubt that these professionals add increasingly recognized value with their specificities,' he highlights. The Neurodiversity Program was created in 2021 through a partnership between Critical Software and Specialisterne. In recent years, several employers have joined the initiative, expanding its impact and increasing the number of integrated professionals on the autism spectrum. Currently, 39 professionals trained by the program are distributed across various offices and business units of the employers. Since its creation, the program has received over 280 applications and provided training to 70 people.