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.
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 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.
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
The Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People With Asperger’s Syndrome: Find the Right Career and Get Hired by Barbara Bissonnette
Developing Talents: Careers For Individuals With Asperger Syndrome And High-functioning Autism- Updated, Expanded Edition by Temple Grandin and Kate Duffy
My Dream Job with Autism by Travis E. Breeding
The Autism Job Club: The Neurodiverse Workforce in the New Normal of Employment by Michael S. Bernick and Richard Holden
How to Find the Perfect Autism Job by Travis Breeding
Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.
Forum/Blog Name: Wrong Planet – Jobs
Description: This blog discusses jobs and other autism topics.
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.
