Employment Initiative

The Autism Society’s Employment initiative creates connections – between Autistic individuals, caregivers, and employers – to advance access to resources, training, and opportunities for meaningful work experiences.

The Autism Society firmly believes in empowering Autistic individuals by championing integrated employment opportunities that focus not just on providing a job, but a fulfilling experience as part of the larger workforce. Employment encompasses full-time and part-time paid work, internships, volunteer opportunities, mentorship programs and more.

By leveraging an individual’s strengths and abilities, employment is attainable with the proper accommodations, supports, services, and an inclusive mindset.  Our program works to support: Amplifying Our Reach, Driving Innovation, and Empowering Change.

Our program works to support:
Amplifying Our Reach
Driving Innovation
Empowering Change

Planning for Employment

Employment plays a pivotal role in adulthood and should be part of every child’s life plan. When planning for employment, it’s helpful to connect with your local Autism Society affiliate and/or Department of Vocational Rehabilitation which has representation in each state and territory in the United States. The state vocational rehabilitation agency assists people with Autism and other disabilities to prepare for and engage in employment. This agency has resources and connections to meet your career goals, whether you need education prior to employment, a communication aide, or a job coach, they can be a great resource.

Fulfillment Mindset and Integrated Employment

Our two main pillars of working towards meaningful employment and success lay within a Fulfillment Mindset and Integrated Employment.

A Fulfillment Mindset recognizes that there are numerous ways
for Autistic individuals to achieve fulfillment through employment.

The Employment Initiative underscores the importance of social-emotional fulfillment for Autistic individuals in their employment journeys. By providing targeted resources, training, and support, we strive to create more inclusive environments and systems that ensure individuals with diverse needs can thrive in their chosen paths.

By focusing on whole-person integration in employment and community surroundings, we can better support those with Autism in workplace settings and throughout their lives.

Integrated employment refers to jobs in workplace settings where individuals with Autism work side by side with colleagues without disabilities. In this diverse and inclusive environment, everyone is paid, at least, the recognized federal minimum wage and experiences the same opportunities for advancement.

Beyond job-attainment, integrated employment empowers personal growth, increases self-esteem, and enables community inclusion for Autistic individuals.

For employers, integrated employment fosters a diversified workforce, encourages innovative problem-solving, and contributes to higher retention rates.

Fulfillment Mindset and Integrated Employment

Our two main pillars of working towards meaningful employment and success lay within a Fulfillment Mindset and Integrated Employment.

A Fulfillment Mindset recognizes that there are numerous ways for Autistic individuals to achieve fulfillment through employment.

  • The Employment Initiative underscores the importance of social-emotional fulfillment for Autistic individuals in their employment journeys. By providing targeted resources, training, and support, we strive to create more inclusive environments and systems that ensure individuals with diverse needs can thrive in their chosen paths.
  • By focusing on whole-person integration in employment and community surroundings, we can better support those with Autism in workplace settings and throughout their lives.

Integrated Employment refers to jobs in workplace settings where individuals with Autism work side by side with colleagues without disabilities. In this diverse and inclusive environment, everyone is paid, at least, the recognized federal minimum wage and experiences the same opportunities for advancement.

  • Beyond job-attainment, integrated employment empowers personal growth, increases self-esteem, and enables community inclusion for Autistic individuals.
  • For employers, integrated employment fosters a diversified workforce, encourages innovative problem-solving, and contributes to higher retention rates.

The Four Pillars of Belonging

The Autism Society’s Employment Initiative seeks to break down systemic barriers and enable change through our Four Pillars of Belonging which are; Enabling Acceptance, Enabling Access, Enabling Dignity and Enabling Excitement.

Enabling Acceptance
Enabling Access
Enabling Dignity
Enabling Excitement
Enabling Acceptance
Enabling Acceptance

The “Enabling Acceptance” pillar is integral in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for Autistic individuals. This pillar aims to break down barriers and challenge preconceived notions about Autism, ensuring workplaces are equipped with the necessary tools and understanding to support Autistic employees. Integral to this is our “Dimensions of Success” courses, which are specifically designed to educate employers and coworkers about Autism, debunking myths, and highlighting the unique strengths and talents that Autistic individuals bring to the workforce.

Enabling Access

Enabling Access

The “Enabling Access” pillar aims to break down barriers, ensuring that Autistic individuals can easily access crucial services, and receive fair treatment in their professional lives. This includes providing pathways to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Medicaid services, as well as guiding Autistic individuals in leveraging Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits while maintaining active employment.

Enabling Dignity
Enabling Dignity

The “Enabling Dignity” pillar is crucial in affirming the worth and respect Autistic individuals deserve in their professional lives. A key focus of this is actively engaging Autistic individuals in meaningful careers that align with their unique skills and aspirations. We strive to challenge and change the perceptions and biases that may surround non-professional jobs, affirming the value and importance of all forms of employment. Our aim is to create a work environment where Autistic individuals feel valued and recognized for their contributions, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of pride in their professional identity.

Enabling Excitement
Enabling Excitement

The “Enabling Excitement” pillar underscores our commitment to identifying and opening new avenues of opportunity for Autistic individuals in the workforce. Our aim is to educate and encourage both employers and Autistic individuals themselves, fostering a sense of excitement about the potential for meaningful employment in various sectors.

Employment Statistics

The current state of employment in the Autism and disability communities is unacceptable, we can and must do better. Diversity, equity, and inclusion practices strengthen a company’s culture, operations, and output.

30%

Currently, only 30% on average disclose that they are Autistic to their employer.

85%

Up to 85% of Autistic with a college degree are unemployed or underemployed.

40%

Autistic adults typically earn 40% less than their peers with other disabilities.

19.3%

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 19.3% of persons with a disability were employed in 2020.

1 in 36

 About 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. As these children grow and enter the job market, companies that embrace neurodiversity are likely to have a competitive advantage.

Increased

Businesses employing Autistic individuals report increased innovation and problem-solving capabilities, owing to the diversity of thought in their teams.

Resources

Resources image

To support your journey towards fulfilling employment, we offer a variety of resources. For Autistic job seekers, we provide comprehensive guides and tools designed to help you navigate the employment process.

Families and support networks can access resources to assist their loved ones in finding suitable work. 

Employers are provided with best-practice resources to foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Partners

The Employment Initiative extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Make Waves Family Foundation for their invaluable support. With their generous contributions, we are empowered to forge meaningful connections and drive impactful change, particularly in the realm of increasing opportunities around employment for the Autism community.

The Ireland Family Foundation is a North Carolina Not-for-Profit Corporation organized under North Carolina laws and is classified as a private foundation by the Internal Revenue Services. Filing a 990 PF tax form, the foundation grants only to legally formed not-for-profits with no religious or political affiliations.

Wells Fargo has continued to support the efforts of the Autism Society to focus on building employment research and resources. This partnership creates opportunities for jobseekers and also equips employers with the necessary tools to value, support, and retain Autistic employees.

Collaborating Partners

Mentra is a neurodiversity employment platform that connects neurodivergent individuals with careers in tech fields like software, UX, and data. The platform uses data-driven tools to match candidates with jobs that align with their unique strengths, aiming to improve job retention and career success. Mentra also supports employers by integrating neuroinclusion into their hiring processes to enhance productivity and retention.

ThinkWork! is the hub for an array of projects related to employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Examples include the Rehabilitation Research & Training Center on Advancing Employment for Individuals with IDD. This project conducts and shares research on topics such as the best ways to share information about employment with people with IDD and their families, and ways to increase the effectiveness of employment consultants.

Give

With continued support for the Employment initiative, we can increase access to jobs, training, and companies to better serve the  Autistic community along their career path.

Whether you donate $5 or $500, every amount helps. If you can’t donate at this time, we ask that you click the share button to spread the word.