Whether a job provides financial support, personal fulfillment, social opportunities, or some combination of these, it is a very important component of adult life. In fact, what one does for a living is often regarded as a defining feature of that person and their role in society. Finding the right employment match for a student…
In 2017, OAR launched Hire Autism, its employment initiative focused on helping individuals on the spectrum find jobs. OAR seeks to expand its work in the employment realm by developing an online resource center for individuals on the spectrum, parents, employers, and job coaches/educators. While Hire Autism is currently only available within Northern Virginia, we…
36-year-old John Hiatt, a Maine resident who is on the autism spectrum, has been elected as both a school committee member and the Penobscot County treasurer.
Rhett Greenhagen may not be the best at understanding social cues, but he is one of the best at discovering patterns and link analysis. Greenhagen has worked with the US military and CIA, and now works as a senior security researcher for a private company. He states that his diagnosis helps him concentrate and pay…
With thousands of teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) moving into adulthood each year, employment has become one of the biggest issues in the autism community. Meaningful work and wages are core components of a productive adulthood. As far back as 2007, a two-year OAR-funded study highlighted the critical importance of jobs and work skills.…
For diverse thinkers, including persons with autism, it can be difficult to find the right position in a world full of neurotypicals. Here are a few of the most important questions to consider as you begin a job search: Are you ready for work? What specific experiences have you had that indicate you’re ready? Have…
In addition to its function as a job board for those on the autism spectrum who are seeking employment, Hire Autism also houses a Resource Center to support its users. The Resource Center provides information for both job-seekers and employers. Businesses posting jobs on the site can view basic information about autism, the interview process,…
OAR invites you to check out the new Hire Autism Facebook page. As a follower or “fan” of the Facebook page, you will be able to communicate with us and keep up-to-date on all things Hire Autism-related. Through the page, OAR will share employment-related tips for individuals with autism, new job openings, business partner highlights,…
In 2016 OAR awarded an applied grant to researchers Anne Roux, M.P.H., M.A., and Paul Shattuck, Ph.D., both from the Life Course Outcomes Program at A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University. They used the grant to study state-level variation in vocational rehabilitation services and employment outcomes for transition-age youth with autism. Their goals were to:…
