AC wanted to examine how having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can influence an individual’s path to employment. “My goal for this research study was to discover how adults on the spectrum have overcome obstacles and used their talents to their advantage in order to succeed in their chosen field.” AC hopes that “by examining the lives of autistic adults, parents and professionals will be able to better prepare kids on the spectrum through the transition from childhood to adulthood.” This blog summarizes AC’s research and provides additional resources related to employment seekers with ASD.

While there is little definitive knowledge concerning autistic adults in the workplace, it’s known that 85% of adults with ASD, regardless of education or IQ level, are either unemployed or underemployed. This is compared to 38% of those with other disabilities (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009). Despite an individual’s ability, work ethic, and education, many of the symptoms of autism can become impediments to finding and maintaining gainful employment.

“Difficulties with executive functioning and social skills can interfere with many aspects of employment, from demonstrating effective interviewing skills, to performing tasks on the job. Work related stress is another frequently cited issue for autistic adults. Many situations that neurotypical employees may simply shrug off can cause high amounts of stress in autistic individuals, such as changed in job routines and settings, navigating social interactions, and prolonged exposure to sensory stimulation, including bright lights, noise, etc.” Various workplace accommodations can be implemented to lessen the negative impact of these differences. Job accommodations and other practical information can be found in this guide for professionals to adult autism and employment.

AC found that difficulty with soft skills is the most significant barrier to employment for both low and high-functioning autistic adults. Job coaching, and interview preparation can be sources of support in these cases. Disclosure of an ASD can be another source of difficulty, however, as disclosure can be beneficial in some cases, but detrimental in others. Based upon her research, AC found that it is more effective for a person with ASD to explain what his or her needs are, and what he or she ca bring to the job, rather than simply supplying the name of a diagnosis.

Further information is available on the benefits and risks of disclosure of ASD diagnosis in this study. Additionally, a guide for explaining the needs of workers with ASD is provided.

Despite what seems to be a grim employment outlook for individuals on the spectrum, an autism diagnosis can lead to meaningful employment with appropriate supports and advocacy. Some companies have made efforts to increase employment of individuals on the spectrum and are providing supportive working environments which utilize the talents often inherent in autism.

• Aspiritech, for example, is a Chicago-based company that specifically recruits high-functioning autistic individuals to work as software testers.
• Specialisterne, a similar company in Denmark, employs and trains adults on the spectrum in fields such as data entry, and assembly production.
• ASTEP (Asperger Syndrome Training and Employment Partnership) creates and supports programs that promote long term employment for individuals with Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism.

Although specialized employment opportunities are not widely available, employers are beginning to recognize the potential of these individuals who may not be their best interviewer, but could be their most dedicated employee if given the opportunity.

Thank you to AC for researching such a meaningful topic close to both her as an Aspie, and to each of AHEADD’s college students across the nation.

~Matt Bartko, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work Intern

Veronika Panagiotou, a graduate student at The University of Pittsburgh, has been a peer mentor with AHEADD since her time as an undergraduate at Point Park University. Veronika has shown dedication to her students and to her time as a volunteer with AHEADD.

Congratulations, Veronika!

From the AHEADD team in Pittsburgh

Read more about what AHEADD peer mentors do by reading about the AHEADD Model of services.

(Thanks for the Photo, JM)

The next thing I know, we went from doing warm ups to learning about making films and getting to understand how much work it takes to do film.

By the end of two weeks of film camp, we were finished, and we each participated in the making of two movies. After film camp I learned it was not as bad as I thought it would be. I gained more confidence.

We became a group of people that will remember each other even though we paved our own ways. In December, 2011, we will come together for a special event – our own red carpet premiere. I am looking forward to it.

Despite the statistics (only 10% of adults with autism maintain even part-time employment), this excellent article from the New York Times highlights a young man who is working toward achieving his personal and professional goals as he transitions toward adulthood. Justin has advocated for his goals of one day living in his own apartment and possibly even having a girlfriend. With the support of his family and continued exposure to vocational opportunities, his goal of affording his own place will likely come to fruition.

Read the entire New York Times article Autistic and Seeking a Place in an Adult World.

Just as Justin’s parents are amazed by what he has accomplished, we at AHEADD are amazed by our students triumphs. But should we be? These individuals have tremendous talents and strengths; they may simply benefit from additional social or organizational support in order to harness them. We have seen many of our students struggle to find jobs or maintain employment, but we have also seen many individuals succeed in reaching their vocational goals and maintain steady employment for years. With this level of success in mind, AHEADD continues to participate in many opportunities to increase support in the community and the workplace for individuals with ASD, as well as to help families and individuals on the spectrum obtain and maintain employment.

This summer, AHEADD partnered with Joey Travolta to host a two-week, 5 hours per day working film camp, providing invaluable vocational experience in addition to appropriate and individualized support for each camper.

This Fall, AHEADD will present vocational trainings to employers as well as informational sessions to community members, sponsored with funds from the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (CFDA #93.768).

Achieving Vocational Success with ASD is a 2-hour interactive training and is appropriate for individuals who employ, work alongside, and/or have potential to work with individuals with ASD. Training project for employers and staff will focus on:

1. Increased awareness of autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger’s Disorder
2. Increased understanding of the inherent value of employing persons with ASDs
3. Effectively supporting individuals diagnosed with ASD
4. Communicating, critiquing and problem solving with individuals diagnosed with ASD

Community information sessions will allow AHEADD to inform adults with ASD, their families, and their support staff ways in which to obtain and maintain employment. We will provide information on community resources such as The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and help families get the ball rolling for employment. We will address

1. identifying skills and interests
2. learning ways to self advocate and understand one’s diagnosis
3. what employers will expect during interviews and employment
4. appropriate social behavior on the job
5. methods of receiving constructive criticism

Stay tuned for information on these trainings and join our mailing list on the main page (aheadd.org) to receive these updates automatically.

and GREAT COSTUMES

Two stiffs were at the party.

Chewy the scary pumpkin!

Don't mess with these guys.

Social Group members met for the first time last Wednesday to begin the semester with a Marshmallow Challenge! This activity can facilitate creative thinking and teamwork to create a structure out of masking tape, string, and raw spaghetti all topped with a marshmallow that can either hold the pieces together, or serve as enough weight to make the structure come toppling down. The pictures below prove that the group members succeeded in creating a solid structure. Way to go, guys!

Find out more about The Marshmallow Challenge here!

The planning stages...

Teamwork!

The Final Product!

I loved this camp and had so much fun. It was great learning form the flimakers and I love wacthing the students create or come up with things. I was just in awe of how creative these students were.

I got to help out with the group of older students. It was great getting to know all of them and I love how they were so willing to do things – form dancing in the morning, to playing acting games, and even coming up with ideas and brainstorming.

Joey Travolta’s flim camp was a great and enriching experince for me, not only as a participant, but as someone who hopes to be a future teacher. It is an experience I’ll always remember and that I can’t stop talking about! I cant wait till next year!!

Photo by Nicole Jarock

I worked with the younger students at the camp and, even though they were younger, they did not lack professionalism, work ethic or maturity. The film crew was amazing and developed such a safe and creative environment which allowed absolutely everyone the chance to explore and push their comfort zones to build their range of untapped talents.

My last note about the camp pertains to the social aspect of the film camp. Beginning every day by dancing set the energy for the day. Dancing together, in pairs and in groups created unspoken alliances and appreciation for one another. Even though the campers were split in two groups to develop two films, we came together to have lunch. It was amazing to see the friendships develop among the campers. I could go on and on about the peer mentors, the social, educational and vocational skills that campers gained, as well as the amazing product. I look forward to seeing the final product but I know that the film will never capture all of the incredible interactions, relationships and growth that everyone experienced!

Watch this short clip of some of our campers’ dance moves!