The Employment Struggle: Autism Edition

 


Finding a job is hard to do, I know I'm not the only one.  However, did you know that people with autism are either under or unemployed more-so than any other disability?  True story!

Here are some statistics:


People with autism deserve better!

I'm unemployed right now.  I haven't worked more than 40hr weeks since 2022 and from August to December that year, I worked in a kitchen at a local gas station...with a Bachelor's in Communications.  I graduated with my degree in December 2021, for MONTHS I applied to jobs that aligned with my degree.  I got nothing.  It sucked!  I worked hard and spent so much time applying for jobs for them to tell me that they weren't looking or that I wasn't fit for the position.  Fast forward to 2023, I worked at a pizza restaurant and was scheduled part time hours that ended up being cut to under 5 hours a week.  It wasn't worth it to stay working at a place that didn't work with me based on my past experience working at another pizza place 2-3 years before.  I felt worthless, useless, unappreciated for my work ethic.  

Unfortunately, my work "experience" isn't uncommon.  I have a friend who got a job about a year ago after being unemployed for 7 years.  I know other people with autism who have hard times looking for employment and are stuck like me.  One of my other friends has a Bachelor's in English and now is a delivers packages more than 2 years out of college.   

People with autism are overlooked at by employers by our abilities or lack thereof that the employer may see or end up discovering.  Some employers will struggle with knowing how to accommodate and some will just dismiss the individual because of their performance or lack thereof. 

Contrary to popular beliefs of people who may not see potential in autistic individuals, there are two things that are overlooked:

Wasted Talent: Many autistic individuals possess unique strengths like attention to detail, reliability, and innovative thinking, which are valuable in the workplace.SHRM+1PMC+1

Economic Impact: Unemployment among autistic adults leads to increased reliance on social support systems and underutilization of their potential contributions to the economy.

I know so many people with autism who could have a job.  Even ones who are non-verbal.  


Orion Kelly has a short you should watch below on unemployment and autism.  For perspective, Orion lives in Australia, so we know it's not just an American issue, but a global issue. Watch his video below:


Let me teach you in an example.  Maria is 20-years-old and has level 2 autism.  She struggles with authority, doesn't like talking too much, is sensitive to loud noises, and has a weak sense of self. She tried doing college classes, but struggled with focusing which led her to drop out for the time being. However, Maria loves to talk about books with her friends.  She also excelled in her English/Literature classes. Maria's mom told her job coach about these qualities that Maria had.  Maria's job coach found her a job as a librarian at her local library. Her accommodations allow her to have another librarian around, so if she's overstimulated she can trade by working in the backroom by doing tasks that don't require her to socialize with many people.  However, she has only done this a few times a week.  She LOVES telling people who are checking books out about the books they're checking out that she's read.  Since she started working there, word got out about the town's best new librarian who is very excited about reading.  When people check out a movie on DVD, Maria recommends them to a book that is similar to the movie.  Maria's parents and job coach are over the moon with where Maria is working.  She has been working there for 6-months, which is the longest she's held a job.  After all the work she's been up to, Maria has had the courage to advocate for her autism and is going back to school to get a degree in Literature Studies.  Her hopes are to do reading classes for children to get them excited about reading.

We learned that putting Maria in a place that matched her strengths, she was able to succeed.  If we put Maria in a waitress job, she would be easily overstimulated and either end up fired or quit within a week.  

We NEED to step up for our autistic friends and family members who are struggling.  Sometimes, it's helping them find a middle ground between reality and their dream job.  

I am loving writing blogs and I hope that more people read them.  I'm good at writing and I have a passion for standing up for myself and informing others about certain things like autism.  This is where I'm at and I would love to make this a stable thing for the foreseeable future.

Here's a video on how to help autistic individuals find the right job:



Employing autistic adults isn't just the right thing to do—it's beneficial for businesses:(The Conversation)

  • Enhanced Productivity: Autistic employees often exhibit strong focus and dedication, leading to increased productivity. Enna Global

  • Innovation: Their unique perspectives can drive innovation and problem-solving within teams.

  • Loyalty and Retention: Companies report lower turnover rates among autistic employees, saving on recruitment and training costs.

To bridge the employment gap:(Advanced Therapy Clinic)

  • Inclusive Hiring Practices: Adjusting interview processes and workplace environments can make a significant difference.

  • Awareness and Education: Educating employers about the strengths and needs of autistic individuals promotes inclusivity.

  • Support Systems: Providing job coaches and mentorship programs can aid in the successful integration of autistic employees.

The above video is from Kaelynn Partlow and she covers workplace accommodactions.

The video below is from about 4-years ago from the Hidden Sunflowers Disabilities Company.  (the prevalence rate for autism is now 1 in 31 children instead of 1 in 100)








Here's five ways we can move forward and takewawy from all of this:

1. Rethink Hiring Practices

Traditional hiring processes often inadvertently disadvantage neurodivergent candidates. To foster inclusivity: diversetalent.ai

  • Implement Skills-Based Assessments: Focus on evaluating candidates' actual skills rather than relying solely on interviews. This approach allows individuals to showcase their abilities in a practical context.

  • Offer Alternative Interview Formats: Provide options such as written responses or project-based evaluations to accommodate different communication styles.

  • Partner with Specialized Organizations: Collaborate with groups that support neurodivergent job seekers to access a broader talent pool.

These strategies help in recognizing the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals, leading to a more diverse and capable workforce.

2. Design Sensory-Friendly Work Environments

Creating a workspace that accommodates sensory sensitivities can significantly improve comfort and productivity:Golden Steps ABA+2Insider Newsletter Archives+2diversetalent.ai+2

  • Adjust Lighting and Noise Levels: Use natural lighting where possible and provide noise-canceling headphones or quiet zones to minimize sensory overload.Spring Health

  • Offer Flexible Workspaces: Allow employees to personalize their work areas to suit their sensory preferences.LifeSpeak+2Spring Health+2Sellick Partnership+2

  • Provide Remote Work Options: Enable employees to work from environments where they feel most comfortable and productive.

Such accommodations demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being and can lead to increased job satisfaction.

3. Foster Clear and Inclusive Communication

Effective communication is vital for all employees, especially those who are neurodivergent:

  • Use Clear and Direct Language: Avoid ambiguous instructions and provide detailed guidelines for tasks.Sellick Partnership+1diversetalent.ai+1

  • Utilize Visual Aids: Incorporate diagrams, flowcharts, or written summaries to support verbal instructions.

  • Encourage Feedback: Create channels for employees to express their needs and preferences regarding communication.

By prioritizing clarity, organizations can reduce misunderstandings and create a more inclusive environment.

4. Provide Tailored Support and Development Opportunities

Supporting neurodivergent employees through personalized development plans can enhance their growth and retention:Golden Steps ABA

  • Assign Mentors: Pair employees with mentors who can provide guidance and support tailored to their needs.

  • Offer Training Programs: Provide access to skill-building workshops that align with individual career goals.

  • Establish Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Create communities within the organization where neurodivergent employees can share experiences and resources.

These initiatives can lead to increased engagement and a sense of belonging among employees.

5. Educate and Train Leadership

Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive culture:

  • Conduct Neurodiversity Training: Educate managers and HR professionals on the strengths and challenges associated with neurodiversity.

  • Promote Empathy and Understanding: Encourage leaders to adopt empathetic approaches when interacting with neurodivergent employees.

  • Implement Inclusive Policies: Develop and enforce policies that support diversity and inclusion at all organizational levels.

An informed leadership team is better equipped to support and advocate for neurodivergent employees. Insider Newsletter Archives


🌟 Top Neuroinclusive Employers

1. SAP – Autism at Work

SAP's pioneering program, launched in 2013, focuses on integrating autistic talent into various roles, especially in data analysis and software testing. With a 90% retention rate, the initiative offers mentorship, tailored onboarding, and manager training to foster an inclusive environment. Recruit CRM+3jessjarmo.com+3QRKIEZ+3

2. Microsoft – Neurodiversity Hiring Program

Microsoft's program provides an inclusive application and interview process, allowing neurodiverse candidates to showcase their unique abilities. The company also offers assistive technologies and resources, supporting employees with conditions like dyslexia. Ongig Blog+1Recruit CRM+1

3. JPMorgan Chase – Autism at Work

Since 2015, JPMorgan Chase has reimagined its hiring process to better suit neurodivergent candidates, including the use of pymetrics games for assessments. Their program has demonstrated that autistic employees can be up to 92% more productive than their non-autistic peers. Tallo+1QRKIEZ+1

4. Ernst & Young (EY) – Neurodiversity Centers of Excellence

EY's centers focus on leveraging the strengths of neurodivergent individuals in areas like data analytics and cybersecurity. The firm provides customized onboarding and assigns trained office buddies to support new hires. Medium+3Tallo+3Fertifa+3

5. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) – Spectrum Success Program

HPE's program includes a five-day workshop for neurodivergent candidates, followed by interview opportunities. The initiative emphasizes creating a supportive work environment where neurodiverse employees can thrive. BestColleges.com+1jessjarmo.com+1

6. Dell Technologies – Diverse Abilities at Dell

Dell's commitment to a neuroinclusive workplace includes comprehensive training for managers and sensory-friendly environments, ensuring that neurodivergent employees receive the support they need. Fertifa

7. IBM – Neurodiversity at Work

IBM partners with the Specialisterne Foundation to promote neurodiversity in the workplace. Their initiatives include customized onboarding, mentorship, and career development opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. Fertifa+4BestColleges.com+4Ongig Blog+4

8. Google – Spectrum Program

Google's Spectrum program offers tailored support for neurodivergent employees, including flexible work arrangements and customized career paths. The company also provides ongoing education for its wider team on supporting neurodiverse colleagues. Fertifa

9. DXC Technology – Dandelion Program

Launched in 2014, the Dandelion Program aims to support neurodiverse individuals in building IT careers. The program includes partnerships with universities and offers on-site support and trained neurodiversity consultants. Tallo+2Ongig Blog+2BestColleges.com+2

10. Freddie Mac – Autism Internship Program

Freddie Mac's program, established in 2012, matches the unique talents of autistic individuals with the company's business needs. Accommodations such as quiet spaces and noise-cancellation headphones are provided to support neurodiverse employees. Tallo

🌍 Global Social Enterprises Championing Neurodiversity

Auticon

An international IT consulting firm that exclusively employs adults on the autism spectrum as consultants. Auticon operates in multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Australia, focusing on quality assurance, data analysis, and software development. Wikipedia+1BestColleges.com+1

Specialisterne

A Danish social innovator company that utilizes the characteristics of neurodivergent individuals as competitive advantages in business. Specialisterne provides services like software testing and data conversion, operating in 26 countries. Wikipedia

Aspiritech

A nonprofit organization that employs adults on the autism spectrum for software and quality assurance testing. Aspiritech also offers social programs and job training for its employees and the broader autistic community. BestColleges.com


Let's foster inclusivity to neurodiverse people, especially ones with autism!!!  WE DESERVE TO BE HEARD!!!

If you liked this blog post, comment, share, etc.  Have any comments, questions, etc.? Reach out to me by messaging me on instagram @agirllivingwithaudhd or email me  alyssa.onthespectrum@gmail.com.  



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