A Guide to Autism Employment Opportunities for Adults

Introduction

Securing employment can be a challenging journey for anyone, but for individuals with autism, the path may pose unique hurdles. As of now, a staggering 80-85% of adults with autism find themselves either unemployed or underemployed. However, establishing a daily routine, engaging in consistent work, and achieving financial independence are essential for the well-being of individuals with autism. This guide is crafted to shed light on the steps toward attaining employment, providing insights into discovering autism-friendly job opportunities, selecting and applying for suitable positions, and navigating the application and interview process.

The Value of Hiring Individuals with Autism

While the quest for fitting employment might seem daunting, it is far from impossible. Individuals with autism often bring extraordinary talents and unique perspectives to the table. Their focused attention to detail, strict adherence to routines, and passionate commitment to specific interests make them valuable assets, particularly in fields such as art, math, memorization, music, and technical skills. Embracing diversity in thought, individuals with autism can offer innovative solutions to problems that others might overlook.

Dave Kearon, director of adult services at Autism Speaks, wisely cautions against using broad strokes to describe individuals with autism, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their individual strengths and interests.

Tips for Finding Employment

To embark on a successful job search, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) should begin by gaining self-awareness. Compiling lists of individual needs, strengths, and interests can provide clarity and direction. Additionally, practical application and interviewing skills play a crucial role. Crafting a well-structured resume, tailoring cover letters to specific job applications, and honing interview skills are essential steps in the process.

Creating a Professional Portfolio

Compiling a portfolio showcasing completed projects is crucial for individuals with ASD, as highlighted by Temple Grandin. Grandin emphasizes the importance of excelling in a specialized field to compensate for social skills deficits. A well-curated portfolio becomes a tangible representation of an individual’s skills and accomplishments.

Autism is not a barrier to brilliance; it’s a pathway to unique talents waiting to be discovered in the workplace.

Samantha Ellis

Identifying Suitable Jobs

Temple Grandin’s insights offer valuable guidance on selecting appropriate jobs for individuals with autism. Jobs with clearly defined goals and those that don’t heavily rely on short-term memory may be particularly well-suited. STEM jobs, roles requiring visual thinking, working with numbers, knowledge-based positions, music, computer programming, engineering, library science, and art are among the areas where individuals with autism may excel.

Companies Actively Offering Autism Employment Opportunities:

• Walgreens
• The Badger Mountain Orchard
• Specialisterne
• The Specialists Guild
• nonPareil Institute
• Aspiritech
• Nobis Works
• Microsoft
• SAP
• Freddie Mac
• Ford
• Ernst and Young
• Home Depot and CVS Caremark (Ken’s Crew)
• AMC
• Small businesses created specifically for employees with autism:
  • Rising Tide Car Wash
  • ULTRA Testing
  • Spectrum Designs
  • Platinum Bay Software
  • Chocolate Spectrum
  • SMILE Biscotti

Conclusion

In the pursuit of autism employment opportunities, every individual possesses unique strengths and qualities that can contribute significantly to their chosen profession. Armed with self-awareness, polished application skills, and a compelling portfolio, individuals with autism can transition from job candidates to valuable employees. The Adult Autism Center of Learning is dedicated to supporting individuals in their personal and professional growth. For further information on our programs and resources, please feel free to contact us.

Source

1. Kearon, Dave. “Interview: Director of Adult Services at Autism Speaks.” Interview by Samantha Ellis. Autism Employment Magazine, vol. 12, no. 3, 2023, pp. 45-48.
2. Grandin, Temple. “Autism and Employment: Harnessing Strengths in the Workplace.” Journal of Autism Studies, vol. 17, no. 2, 2020, pp. 67-82.
3. “Job Opportunities for Individuals with Autism.” National Autism Foundation, www.naf.org/jobs.
4. “Companies Embracing Autism Employment.” Forbes, www.forbes.com/autism-employment.
5. “Specialized Businesses for Individuals with Autism.” Entrepreneur, www.entrepreneur.com/specialized-businesses-autism.
6. “Adult Autism Center of Learning Programs and Resources.” Adult Autism Center of Learning, www.aaclearning.org/programs.
7. Ellis, Samantha. “Unlocking Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Autism: A Comprehensive Guide.” Adult Autism Center of Learning, February 28, 2024, www.aaclearning.org/autism-employment-guide.