With up to 90% of adults with autism under or unemployed and over half a million autistic individuals moving into adulthood, Autism Society is dedicated to advancing the opportunity for individuals to have meaningful, gainful employment.

For this reason, Autism Society has created a digital toolkit of resources, information, referrals and supports to help autistic individuals and their families navigate an ever-evolving job market. In addition, we’ve highlighted just a few of the successful employment programs and services offered by our affiliates.

Public Policy: Employment Advocacy

• Autism Society Public Policy Resources on Website
  • ASA Employment Fact Sheet
• Coalition to Advance Competitive Integrated Employment: Over 25 national organizations, led by the Collaboration to Promote Self Determination (CPSD) and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), have joined together to make sure that the right to CIE is advanced and promoted.
• Congressional Briefing on 10/28: The briefing will present information about the successes of individuals with disabilities in transitioning to competitive integrated employment, in collaboration with CPSD & the National Council on Disability.
• Institute for Community Inclusion: ICI & ASA have a collaboration dedicated to workplace opportunities & community inclusion. In addition to sharing research/resources, we have a jointly funded Fellow working on these efforts. (Resources shared on the next pages.)
  • ICI Video with Autism Society
• Transformation to Competitive Employment Act Fact Sheet
• CAPABILITY Act Press Release: a bill to provide customized employment

For Employers:

• IBCCES: National partner of ASA offering certification programs for autism & other cognitive disorders. Explore CAC’s here.
• HirePotential, Inc: provides solutions to help government contractors succeed in navigating the complexities of disability compliance and inclusion.
• Autism @ Work Playbook for employers to build inclusive hiring models.
• JAN Workplace Accommodation Toolkit

For Job Seekers:

• Assisting job seekers: A guide for employment specialists.
• Social Security: Work incentives tools for those on SSI/DI
• Explore Work Curriculum: Discusses self-advocacy, identifying interest, why people work, etc.
• Department of Labor Employment Policy: Offers a comprehensive range of resources through the transition to employment.
• Think Work: Employment successes, career planning, job matching & more.
• The Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. 
• The Spectrum Careers: Job portal developed to help people with autism and/or other disabilities obtain employment.
• Ability Jobs: Job site for people with disabilities.
• Celebrate EDU: Kindling workshop for job interest, business 101 skills & exploration

Affiliates in Action:

• Autism Society of Pittsburgh: Working with CAI’s Autism2Work program
• Autism Society Inland Empire: Employment transitions, state-wide programs, collaborative employment opportunities.
• Autism Society of Minnesota: Unlocked Potential: An Employment Guide for People with Autism

We encourage you to contact the Autism Society affiliate in your area, as our affiliates are often the most knowledgeable about local services. To find an affiliate in your area, click here.

The Autism Society’s National Contact Center staff are here to get you to the resources you need and to make this time a smooth, happy transition to a great school year ahead! Our Information & Referral Specialists are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (Eastern Time) at 800-3-AUTISM (800-328-8476) or info@autism-society.org.

The Autism Society is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all affected by autism. $50 allows the Autism Society to provide an hour of support to our affiliate network to create localized education resources, support, and advocacy to individuals and families affected by autism. If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting our efforts through a donation, every bit helps. Donate here!