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Working With Autistic Adults Jobs

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Small Business Commits To Qualify Of Life Employing Those With Autism

Working with people with autism: the professionals

Spectrum Designs is a Long Island company committed to enhancing the quality of life of people with autism, who often face barriers to employment. The company was started in 2010 by Stella Spanakos, whose son Nicholas was diagnosed with autism as a toddler and is now 22. Spectrum Designs already employs 30 people as of 2014. In 2013, the company doubled its service capacity and tripled its sales, nearing over half a million dollars.

Start Your Job Search

We are in the business of finding work for people with disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Hopefully, this list has given you a starting point. Take a look at our job search portal for the best jobs for autistic adults that you may be interested in!

  • About
  • disABLEDperson, Inc. is a 5013 non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce the high unemployment rate of individuals with disabilities.
  • “We are simply here to serve.”
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What Companies Can Do To Help Autistic Employees

The journey into employment involves the autistic person and the employer. If youre considering adding an autistic employee to your team, there are things you can do to help ensure success for everyone involved.

Research from 2019 suggests a comprehensive approach that includes learning as much as you can about the symptoms and behaviors associated with autism and why they occur.

It also involves finding the best ways to support your autistic workers needs and ensuring theyre matched to a job that aligns with their interests and skills.

If youre looking to hire an autistic employee, heres a list of resources that may help you build an inclusive work environment:

Also Check: How To Know If Your Baby Is Autistic

Autism Jobs In All Australia

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classification: Healthcare & MedicalHealthcare & Medicalclassification: Healthcare & MedicalHealthcare & Medical

  • Collaborative multidisciplinary team: Psych + Speech + OT
  • Permanent part-time / full-time with a variety of clients & PD opportunity
  • Supportive team + generous remuneration + peer support + individual supervision

classification: Education & TrainingEducation & Trainingclassification: Community Services & DevelopmentCommunity Services & Development

  • Work in the Evidence based Field of ABA
  • Flexible Hours to suit your schedule
  • Casual Hourly rate $28.95 p/hr + Super

classification: Education & TrainingEducation & Training

  • 55 place centre located within Ultimo TAFE
  • Long standing not for profit organisation – over 115 years!
  • Ongoing training & development, lovely team culture and supportive leaders

location: Gold CoastGold Coastclassification: Healthcare & MedicalHealthcare & Medicalclassification: Education & TrainingEducation & Training

  • Access ongoing training, staff development and mentoring opportunities
  • Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients and their families
  • Be a valued member of a positive, dedicated and fun team

Provide Consistent Constructive Feedback

UK Government Partners with NAS on Employment Drive for Autism Adults ...

Consistent performance evaluations are key to the improvement and success of any employee. However, theyre especially important for people with autism. Employers should hold frequent, short reviews where they provide kind feedback on how the individual is doing.

Its important to thoroughly explain what the person with autism is doing wrong, ensure they understand the problem, and direct them on how to improve. Above all, employers should highlight the persons knowledge and skill set and treat them as an asset to grow and retain, just like any other employee.

The UDS Employment Services program helps individuals with disabilities, including Autism, find work in the community. They also work with employers to help them better understand how employing people with disabilities can benefit their organization. In addition, the UDS Care Management team assists individuals who are part of the Pennsylvania Adult Autism Waiver in developing an individualized care management plan, including supportive employment.

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Trouble Reading Between The Lines

Debbie says that when she became a supervisor, her social deficits presented a huge learning curve. When you have trouble reading between the lines, she says, its hard to understand that sometimes people will tell you things they dont mean, or will leave information out that they really do need you to know, and that as the go-to person you will need to fill in the blanks.

But the ramifications of her disability are much larger. To lack the skills to contribute to the conversations that matter stands to negatively impact my career long-term, Debbie says. When you dont ask the right questions in trainings, offer the knowledge and experience you have during meetings, or advocate your needs and concerns to those who can do something about it, your value starts to go away.

At the same time, Debbie says her unease with casual conversation leads others to misjudge her. They may first think shes just extremely shy, then reserved and timid, and finally odd, eccentric, reclusive and secretive.

Global Research Company Sees Success In Hiring Adding Autistic Employees To Workforce

ZenithOptimedia is another company who has a commitment to hiring individuals with autism and experienced great success. They are continuing to grow these efforts and are working to increase opportunities for employees with autism in the future. Companies dont need a formal program autism at work program to hire great employees.

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Best Jobs For Autistic Adults

Like anyone else, people with autism are individuals with individual skills and interests. We at disABLEDperson Inc. are committed to helping those with disabilities find meaningful work.

Many people with autism share some similar characteristics that offer some clues as to good career areas to try out. Below we will list nine good options to check out, but, actually, any job that has a certain environment can work well, regardless of field.

In general, people with autism prefer concentrating at one thing at a time, having clear cut expectations and guidelines, and value accuracy and detail. Those with autism often are highly focused on certain subjects and excel when given space to apply that interest.

Any job environment that allows for these characteristics, regardless of field, could be a good option.

The following job areas are particularly good jobs for people with autism.

Educate And Train Other Employees

People with autism recruited for skilled jobs

In many cases, other employees may not understand how to interact with people with autism. Thats why education and training is so important. The employees colleagues should understand that the person with autism isnt trying to be rude and that there are genuine needs behind their reasonable accommodations.

Sensitivity training can help the entire team understand how to work together and deal with potential miscommunications. Employers can also create a training document for other staff that explains how they can best support and work with the person with autism.

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Ask For What You Need

Under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers are obligated to provide reasonable accommodations to help workers with disabilities succeed. So if you choose to self-identify as having ASD, some examples of reasonable accommodations you could ask for include:

  • Instructions that are written or recorded so that you can review them whenever you need to
  • Projects and tasks assigned in order of priority
  • Frequent, direct, specific feedback on job performance
  • Advance notice of meetings or changes in routine whenever possible
  • The option to respond to queries or requests in writing rather than verbally
  • A colleague or supervisor to be designated as a job mentor who can explain workplace social norms
  • A workspace away from kitchens, restrooms, or other areas with strong odors
  • Non-fluorescent lighting

Medical Lab Tech: $54k

Want to play a vital behind-the-scenes role in the healthcare industry? Lab techs study urine, blood, and tissue samples to search for abnormalities or evidence of disease. This is detail-oriented work that requires a high degree of precision. You could choose to specialize in areas like immunology, molecular biology, or cytotechnology.

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Best Jobs For People With Autism In 2022

You are here:Home Career Ideas Jobs For People With Autism

If you have been told that you are on the autism spectrum, one of the concerns you might have is about how hard it will be getting a job with autism.

You or your family and friends might be wondering if there are jobs for autistic adults. Thankfully, there are a wide variety of positions for you to consider.

Some of them do not require any formal training, and others you can gain the skills to do in two years or less.

One of the best things you can do for yourself when you are thinking about autism employment opportunities is to consider your likes, dislikes, and skills.

Keep in mind that these are good jobs for people with autism, but you will find many others doing them who are not on the spectrum.

Job Options Depend On Abilities And Challenges

Young Adults With Autism Can Thrive In High

One of the hardest realities to face as an autistic self-advocate or the parent of an autistic child is that their abilities are not always enough to getand keepa good job.

For example, a young autistic adult could be a brilliant mathematician, but if they cant generalize their skills to a needed functionsuch as accounting or statisticsthere might not be a job for them.

Other issues that can be serious obstacles to employment for autistic adults include:

  • Social anxiety

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New Job Opportunities Coming

Many large corporations have started to see the value of hiring employees on the autism spectrum.

For example, the accounting firm Ernst & Young has a neurodiversity program that reaches out to autistic adults who have the math skills and focus that many neurotypical people lack.

Other companies with autism-friendly outreach programs include SAP and Ford.

In addition, a number of smaller companies are building their business around the strengths and abilities of autistic employees.

For example, Rising Tide is a carwash company in Florida that has attracted a lot of attention for its autism focus.

Its worthwhile to keep an eye on autism employment news to spot opportunities as they come up.

Adjust Your Communication Methods

Another strategy is to rely on communication methods that reduce misunderstandings whenever possible. For example, if you have a hard time with verbal communication, ask coworkers if you can coordinate tasks and deliver status updates through email. Or if you have difficulty focusing during big company meetings, ask for one-on-one meetings for instructions and feedback.

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A Hopeful Start To The Job Search Journey

When it comes to finding autism employment opportunities, each individual has a lot to offer to the jobs they apply for. After assessing individual strengths and needs, practicing the interview process, and compiling a portfolio, youre ready to jump from job candidate to new employee! At the Adult Autism Center of Learning, we want to encourage these individuals to continue to grow by helping them with their personal progress and tackling new obstacles in life. If you have any questions about our programs or are curious to learn more about our resources feel free to contact us.

Bring In Outside Support

Working with people with autism: the autistic perspective

There are a variety of autism employment support services available for employees and their employers. Most states have vocational services for people with disabilities that can make the process of finding and maintaining a job much easier. These services include providing on-site job coaches who can mentor and monitor the employee. Job coaches can also provide ancillary employment support, such as finding transportation if the person doesnt drive.

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Career Paths For Autistic People

Autism spectrum disorder isnt a one-size-fits-all diagnosis, and no two autistic people are alike. Also, people with ASD have a wide range of interests and skills just like everyone else.

Still, some autistic folks have distinct strengths that may help them excel in specific careers. According to 2021 research, characteristics often associated with autism and translate well into the work environment may include:

  • creative and innovative thinking
  • reduced concern with social pressure
  • a strong sense of social justice and affective empathy
  • intense interests in specific things
  • enjoyment of tasks non-autistic people might find challenging

Still, autistic folks may experience challenges in the workplace due to differing abilities with social interactions, sensory processing issues, and learning styles. In addition, difficulties with processing speed and receptive and expressive language may create challenges in the work environment.

Managing these challenges is possible with the proper support. These supports might include job coaches, individualized training programs, and ensuring the employer has a comprehensive understanding of autism.

Whether youre autistic or nonautistic, career options are nearly unlimited. Still, for individuals with ASD, some genres of employment can be a better fit than others. Career paths to consider include:

Aviation Maintenance Inspector: $67k

Making sure that airplanes are airworthy is critically important work that requires great focus and precision. Aviation inspectors check that all aircraft instruments, components, and systems are functioning properly and that all repairs are carried out in accordance with established standards. You’ll need to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration .

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Job Classifications For Different Types Of Autism

According to the authors of A Parents Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive, a child with autism can choose from three types of employment:

  • Competitive employmentthe employee should be independent, and no support is offered
  • Supported employmentthe employee is part of a support system, and jobs are usually created for him/her
  • Secure or sheltered employmentthe employee is given a job at a facility

The kind of employment would depend on the persons abilities. For example, a high functioning adult can be independent, so he/she can be in competitive employment. On the other hand, if your child needs care most of the time, then a supported or sheltered employment might be more suitable.

Human Services Worker: $36k

From Young Adults With Autism to Grown UPS With Jobs: A structured UPS ...

If you’re driven to make a difference in the lives of people who are dealing with a range of challenges, you may find your calling in the human services field. These workers help connect struggling people with appropriate aid and community resources. They might find support groups, arrange for personal care services, or help people find meaningful employment.

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Top Autism Jobs: Choosing The Best Careers For People With Autism

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination of people with disabilities, including those with autism. To be considered for ADA coverage, the disability should be a major one that hinders a person to talk, hear, walk, and breathe normally. Unfortunately, not all employers hire people with autism, and the chances of landing jobs can be a challenge.

To counter this problem, some schools and colleges offer a transition period from school to work, giving autism employment opportunities to their graduates. While this improves the future of children with autism, it is not implemented in every school.

Paul Shattuck, associate professor at Drexel Universitys School of Public Health, says that students who graduate high school face the services cliff, which means they are cut off from the support system that the school has given them during their stay.

He adds that although federal law requires special education schools to develop a transition plan, it doesnt always happen. In fact, only 58 percent of students with autism have a transition plan by the time they reach 14 years old.

Shattuck also adds that people with autism may have challenges in social skills, but it doesnt mean that they dont want to hold jobs. He says that although the core of the disability is an inability to relate easily to other people, the majority of people on the spectrum do have some amount of social appetite.

Employment Support For Autistic Individuals

People who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition , including Asperger Syndrome, have many qualities which can make them excellent employees. For this reason it is important to provide employment support for autistic individuals.

Some general attributes are:

  • able to follow structured projects
  • attention to detail
  • high levels of technical ability
  • highly discriminating senses
  • precise use of language

The Autism Strategy of 2010 shows the commitment of the government in helping people with autism into employment. One of its strategic goals is helping adults with autism into work.

Some people with ASC have particular difficulties in the workplace. These are usually centred around activities which require an understanding of the complexities of human behaviour and could include some of the following:

  • interviewing techniques
  • socialising at break times and outside of work
  • understanding different organisational cultures

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Autism Employment Connector Challenge Winners Selected

Autism Speaks announced on June 13, 2022, the winners of the ‘Autism Employment Connector Challenge,’ launched in partnership with HeroX, the leading platform and open marketplace for crowdsourced solutions.

The Autism Speaks-sponsored Challenge invited innovators including jobseekers, employers, students, recruiters and members of the community, to identify solutions that support autistic job seekers navigating the employment search and application process while effectively communicating skills and abilities to prospective employers. After careful review by a team of experts consisting of autistic people, family members of people with autism, service providers, HR professionals and corporations that prioritize inclusive hiring, the three submissions that have been selected as winners include:

  • Zensory-Blissful Job Searching for Autistic Adults, submitted by Team Screen Queens
  • Congratulations to all of the applicants and winners! Read more about the Challenge here!

    Welcome to Workplace Inclusion Now . This program was designed by an autistic-led team to help you research, find and keep employment in a competitive labor market. Stories, tips and resources were developed from a collaboration of experts, led by autistic adults, based on multidisciplinary research into what makes a workforce thrive and how employees and employers can be set up for success.

    Other free resources available to job seekers include:

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