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.
The Chocolate Spectrum Description: This business provides job opportunities for adults with autism.
Spectrum Works Description: Provides job training and employment to young adults with autism while simultaneously building inclusive workforces at our partner companies.
Supporting My Independent Living Enterprise! Description: Watch and read about Matt's path to independence with SMILE Biscotti.
Autism Gurus: Stephen Shore, Ed.D., Talks Self-Advocacy, Ability, and Inclusion. Description: Read Madison House Autism Foundation’s interview with Dr. Shore about inclusion in the workplace, how to develop effective self-advocacy skills, and how parents and professionals can help provide the tools for young adults with autism who want to be in the workforce.
Autism Works Description: Autism Works provides services for young adults with autism such as vocation assessment, customized social coaching, job placement services, and post secondary navigation.
Adults with Autism: Finding a Job Coach Description: Tara Potter, Director of Trio Employment Network, talks about the challenges young adults with autism encounter and why they need a job coach.
Eden 2 Programs Description: Eden II offers services for individuals over the age of 21 on Staten Island and Long Island, NY. Adults learn skills essential for successful everyday living, with a focus on vocational skills training. Adults are provided with instruction to promote development of employable skills. The primary focus is to offer participants the training and support they require to succeed in integrated community settings.
Picasso Einstein Academy Description: Provides self-employment help for people with disabilities.
Legacy Farms Description: A nonprofit group based in Virginia with the vision to create a residential and vocational community for adults with autism and other developmental challenges.
The Benefits of Employing Individuals with Autism Description: This site coordinates with employers in the UK explaining the benefits of employing persons with autism. The site also lists jobs available in the UK.
Rising Tide Car Wash Description: This business provides job opportunities for adults with autism.
Andersen Center for Autism Description: Committed to providing a comprehensive array of LifeLong Learning? opportunities for each individual we serve. Our innovative residential and day habitation programs are designed to promote each individual’s attainment of independence and a productive life full of enriching experiences.
Autism Now Description: 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.
Job Accommodation Network Description: The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates Description: Cameron’s gluten free coffee shop offers employment to young adults with autism and an assorted variety of chocolates, coffee, nuts and teas not only at their location but also shopping at their on-line store.
nonPareil Institute Description: This organization provides technical training for adults with autism.
New Discovery Program Helps Individuals with Significant Disabilities Find the Job Best Suited for Them Description: Vocational Rehabilitation is a program committed to helping people with disabilities become part of America’s workforce.
Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.
Forum/Blog Name: Jobs4Autism Description: The Jobs4Autism mission is to become a key resource to individuals with autism, their family members, job coaches and caregivers for sharing job ideas and hopefully finding long-term employment opportunities.
Forum/Blog Name: Wrong Planet – Jobs Description: This blog discusses jobs and other autism topics.