By Vincent Sokolowski and Noor Syed, PhD 
Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES) 
 

Serving Autistic People in the Workforce: 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological developmental disorder with an estimated prevalence of one to two percent of the  population (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022). Neurodiversity, a term often used in the context of ASD, describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits (Baumer, 2021). The diversity of ASD means that each person's individual experience of autism and needs for supports and services can vary widely, particularly in the workplace. 

 While autistic adults have more job opportunities than they used to, and a small neurodiverse workforce is thriving, these supports are mainly available at select companies and schools that invest heavily in this population of employees (Zeldovich, 2010). Part of the reason that many companies or schools do not actively provide supports for autistic and neurodiverse people is that there is a lack of clarity in what accommodations are feasible, financially and practically. For example, many believe that accommodations for autistic and neurodiverse workers will be costly. Some things to consider: 

• Most accommodations cost less than $500 
• Other accommodations require no additional financial outlay from the company, ie. written or visual supports, modified schedules, notes and reminders. 

Accommodations can vary and may work for some and not others. First, determine what works best for the employee or student, then try to create reasonable accommodation that addresses their specific need. Be open to testing accommodations before arriving at one that works. Common accommodations that may enable an autistic person to meet and exceed their duties include: 

• Noise canceling headphones 
• Assigned seating within an open floor plan 
• Attending meetings virtually instead of in person 
• Visual supports 

If your company or school does not have a strategy for accommodations, you can work with management to create interim accommodations by consulting the Society of Human Resources Management for support with policy development. For additional assistance, you may consider consulting with Next for Autism, a non-profit organization that strategically designs, launches and supports innovative programs to improve the lives of autistic people.  

 
NEXT for Autism: 

NEXT for AUTISM is a nonprofit organization and charity that has worked with organizations across the country to promote access to effective services and supports for autistic individuals since 2003. NEXT partners with various organizations to fulfill their mission of expanding access to programs and services such as: 

• Center for Autism Advocacy: Research Education & Supports (CAARES). 
• NEXT for Direct Support Professionals. 
• NEXT for diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network 

CAARES and NEXT for Autism launched a pilot mentorship program in 2021 focusing on educating professionals on neurodiversity, and  preparing neurodiverse students and alumni to enter the workforce. We are excited to expand this program in the near future. 

 
Opportunity for Neurodiverse Students: 

In partnership with NEXT for Autism, CAARES is happy to provide an opportunity for neurodiverse college students to share their experiences and connect through an online event: 

What: Focus Group 
When: November 16th from 6 to 7:30 p.m. 
Where: Zoom (Online) 

Details: NEXT for AUTISM wants to hear from neurodiverse college students! Discussion topics will include allyship, college experience, and job seeking. Questions will be shared prior to the meeting for participants to reference. 

The session will be recorded for members of the NEXT team to reference internally. 

Participants will receive a $50 Amazon gift card for their time. 

>> REGISTER HERE << 

 
Or you can register for the event by clicking this link. 
 
If you have any questions, please contact Abigayle Jayroe at ajayroe@nextforautism.org 

  

References:  

US Department of Labor. (2022). Office of Disability Employment Policy: Autism. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/autism  

NEXT for Autism. (2021). Our Work: Program Building. Retrieved from https://nextforautism.org/  

Zeldovich, L. (2010). Now hiring: What autistic people need to succeed in the workplace. Retrieved from https://www.spectrumnews.org/features/deep-dive/now-hiring-what-autistic-people-need-to-succeed-in-the-workplace/  

Baumer, N. (2021). What is Neurodiversity? Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645