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,…
Many people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face a dilemma in the workplace: being treated differently by their neurotypical coworkers. Some describe being treated with kid gloves, as if they are powder kegs that could go off at any moment. Others describe their coworkers looking at them with unwarranted levels of pity, as if their…
In this article, Jennifer Rose writes about a friendship that’s based on their similarities and compatibility, not on their disabilities. Jennifer is a self-advocate and a student at the College of St. Elizabeth. My mom wanted me to have a memorable summer last year. Naturally, she considered a list of options, such as seeing my older cousin…
Erin Clemens, a self-advocate, gives stellar advice about what to do if your child is just diagnosed with autism. This loving and thoughtful advice will really make a difference in how your child accepts the diagnosis, and it will help you accept the diagnosis also. This post was originally written on The Mighty. As someone…
The following post is by Jeanette Purkis, a self-advocate; and is taken with permission from her website. It is about the following “traps” that many people with autism find themselves in, and how to avoid being exploited and manipulated. Purkis also includes personal anecdotes about times when she has been manipulated by others. When I was…
Kay Lomas, a mother, writer, and a recently diagnosed self-advocate, discusses the difficulties of working when you have autism. In this post, which was originally posted on The Mighty, Lomas writes about her personal stressors with work while relating her personal experience to the shockingly low statistic of individuals with autism who are employed full-time.…
Melanie Makovsky, a blogger, writes about how back to school for her family is different, because two of her children have autism. In this article, originally posted on The Mighty, Melanie goes in depth on how her back-to-school season is different from most families. Sometimes it seems like back-to-school season is an extended and complicated…
Transitioning to college is an exciting but stressful time for students and families. It is an adventure in self-advocacy, independent living, and balancing social life with the rigor of academics. The suggestions below offer ways you and your college-bound student can make this new adventure a successful one. When choosing a college, plan a visit…
