Jobs

Finding and keeping employment is a continued challenge with adults on the Autism Spectrum.  A small percentage of high-functioning adults are able to work successfully in jobs, but the jobs do not reflect their true potential.  Employers should take advantage of the individual's strengths and abilities.  The three types of work that people with disabilities enter are called competitive, supported, and secure or sheltered.  Competitive employment is the most independent, with no offered support in the work environment.  Some have even managed self-employment. Individuals on the Autism Spectrum would benefit from routine jobs involving technology with fewer social interactions that can be misinterpreted.  Supported employment is a system of support that allows individuals to have paid employment within the community with a support from a job coach.  In secure or sheltered employment the individuals are at a center where the work is brought to them with other adults to support in finishing the work and helping manage behaviors.

Related Sites

http://autismnow.org/on-the-job/   The national autism resource and information center has a wealth of information including this section of the site where you'll find information on job-related subjects such as employment research and reports, supported employment, transition planning for job opportunities, vocational rehabilitation and more.
http://www.cccaid.org  The Community College Consortium on Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (CCCAID) was formed in 2007 to facilitate advocacy and support for programs at Community Colleges to serve students with autism and intellectual disabilities.  Issues for young people as they leave school systems include: education, housing, life skills, vocational pathways, personal safety and medical care.
www.npitx.org   This organization provides technical training for adults with autism.
http://askjan.org/index.html   The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.

Books

Developing Talents: Careers For Individuals With Asperger Syndrome And High-functioning Autism - Updated, Expanded Edition  by Temple Grandin and Kate Duffy.
Description:  This updated and expanded edition considers the continuing dismal employment statistics for individuals with ASD.  The authors take an in-depth look at entrepreneurship.  Using real-life examples, they point out that many of the unique characteristics of individuals on the autism spectrum lend themselves well to entrepreneurial ventures.  The book explores many unnoticed aspects of Vocational Rehabilitation programs that provide job training and placement for people with disabilities, as well as Social Security Administration programs that offer vocational assistance.  Employment figures and prospects have been updated, and new jobs have been added that are well suited for those on the spectrum.

Asperger's on the Job: Must-have Advice for People with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism, and their Employers, Educators, and Advocates  by Rudy Simone and Temple Grandin.
Description:  Up to 85% of the Asperger's population is without full-time employment, though many have above-average intelligence.  Rudy Simone, an adult with Asperger's Syndrome and an accomplished author, consultant, and musician, created this insightful resource to help employers, educators, and therapists accommodate this growing population, and to help people with Asperger's find and keep gainful employment.

How to Find the Perfect Autism Job  by Travis Breeding.
Description:  Finding a job is a difficult task for anyone especially in today's economy.  Add a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, a disorder that is on the Autism Spectrum into the equation and things become downright frustrating and difficult.  This book addresses how to help someone with Autism learn the skills necessary to function at the higher level end of social relationships and be successful in the work place.  It also gives you ideas and suggestions for finding jobs that they might be more successful in.

Tools

http://www.jobinterviewtraining.net/specialneeds.aspx   This site provides a simulated interview process to help people on the Autism Spectrum to prepare for interviews.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304418404579465561364868556  This article titled "How Autism Can Land You a Job," discusses how the company SAP, Freddie Mac are looking to higher people on the autism spectrum that they believe are better at certain jobs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK0vz-TLqME&feature=player_detailpage  A three minute clip from the BBC shows how companies are creating jobs and seeking individuals with Autism to employ.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNW4AertkxM&feature=player_detailpage  A short video of Temple Grandin talking about how to get and keep a job (with autism).

Parent Forums

(Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.)
Forum Name:  Autism, Work and Finding a Job
http://www.wrongplanet.net/forum18.html&sid=b77f307c4dc0ea32a2d198ede4d20dbc   An open discussion board where you can ask and answer questions about employment for people on the autism spectrum.