Neurodiversity

What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people.  The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.

Autism Spectrum Disorder in Teenagers & Adults

For most young people, including those with ASD, adolescence and young adulthood are filled with new challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities. However, research suggests fewer young people with ASD have the same opportunities as their peers without ASD.

• High rates of unemployment or under-employment 
• Low participation in education beyond high school
• The majority continue to live with family members or relatives 
• Limited opportunity for community or social activities—nearly 40% spend little or no time with friends.

For more information, please see What is Autism

Accommodating Employees with Autism Spectrum

Be aware that not all people with ASD will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may only need a few accommodations. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.

Questions to Consider:

• What limitations is the employee experiencing?

• How do these limitations affect the employee and the employee’s job performance?
• What specific job tasks are problematic as a result of these limitations?
• What accommodations are available to reduce or eliminate these problems? Are all possible resources being used to determine possible accommodations?
• Once accommodations are in place, would it be useful to meet with the employee to evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations and to determine whether additional accommodations are needed?
• Do supervisory personnel and employees need training?

Accommodation Ideas:

• Cubicle doors
• Desk organizers
• Noise-canceling headsets
• Timers and watches
• Calendars and planners

Strategies:

• Color-coded system
• Flexible schedule
• Written instructions

For more information, please see Job Accommodations for Employees with Autism Spectrum

Learn More about Color Coding and its Use as an Accommodation

Autism and Employment Film

In this film experts and advocates share why those afflicted with autism may have difficulties finding jobs. Only 56% graduate high school. Cantrell hopes to help train autistic individuals for the job market.

The United States of Autism film brings a new vision to the world of autism, and it is a film that all families living with autism can look to for answers. Interviewees come from a broad cultural spectrum from Mormon to Muslim and Hispanic to Chinese. Each person shows how autism has shaped their world and, in many cases, made them stronger.

TED Talks: Temple Grandin: The World Needs all Kinds of Minds

Temple Grandin, diagnosed with autism as a child, talks about how her mind works - sharing her ability to "think in pictures," which helps her solve problems that neurotypical brains might miss. She makes the case that the world needs people on the autism spectrum: visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, verbal thinkers, and all kinds of smart geeky kids.

Temple Grandin by Anita Lesko

Discover Temple's "big message" and her ideas about what makes the biggest difference for children with autism.

APA Citation: 

Dreaver, J., Thompson, C., Girdler, S., Adolfsson, M., Black, M. H., & Falkmer, M. (2020). Success Factors Enabling Employment for Adults on the Autism Spectrum from Employers’ Perspective. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 50(5), 1657–1667. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-03923-3

APA Citation:

Scott, M., Milbourn, B., Falkmer, M., Black, M., Bӧlte, S., Halladay, A., Lerner, M., Taylor, J. L., & Girdler, S. (2019). Factors impacting employment for people with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review. Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice, 23(4), 869–901. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361318787789
 

APA Citation: 

Mai, A. M., (2019). Hiring agents’ beliefs: A barrier to employment of autistics. SAGE Open, 9(3), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019862725
 

APA Citation:

Hedley, D., Cai, R., Uljarevic, M., Wilmot, M., Spoor, J. R., Richdale, A., & Dissanayake, C. (2018). Transition to work: Perspectives from the autism spectrum. Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice, 22(5), 528–541. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361316687697
 

APA Citation: 

Nicholas, D. B., Mitchell, W., Dudley, C., Clarke, M., & Zulla, R. (2018). An Ecosystem Approach to Employment and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 48(1), 264–275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3351-6

APA Citation: 

Hedley, D., Uljarević, M., Cameron, L., Halder, S., Richdale, A., & Dissanayake, C. (2017). Employment programmes and interventions targeting adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of the literature. Autism, 21(8), 929–941. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361316661855
 

APA Citation: 

Lorenz, T., Frischling, C., Cuadros, R., & Heinitz, K. (2016). Autism and Overcoming Job Barriers: Comparing Job-Related Barriers and Possible Solutions in and outside of Autism-Specific Employment. PLoS ONE, 11(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0147040
 

APA Citation:

Scott, M., Falkmer, M., Girdler, S., & Falkmer, T. (2015). Viewpoints on Factors for Successful Employment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. PLoS ONE, 10(10), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0139281

Need help finding a job that is right for you? Or are you an employer looking to recruit dedicated and talented employees you may have never considered before?  Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN)™ is Autism Speaks’ evidence-based employment system to build and support inclusive workplace culture through a comprehensive suite of resources. 

For more information, please see Workplace Inclusion Now

The Florida Department of Health provides a list of Autism resources and support groups to help individuals and families with information, education, support, and advocacy.

The mission of the Marino Campus is to prepare young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities for gainful employment, social competence, and independent living by building the necessary skills through a unique post-secondary opportunity.

The Answer Inc. is a 501c3 N.F.P. organization that is dedicated to improving and enriching the quality of life of families impacted by Autism and Other Developmental Differences by providing support, resources, education, recreation, and advocacy. 

For more information, please see The Answer Inc Autism Awareness and Support

CNN Heroes:  Debra Vines

Raising her autistic son taught this mom hard lessons that she’s used to helping thousands of underserved Chicago-area families.

For more information, please see CNN Heroes