Employment | Organization for Autism Research

Employment

OAR’s Adult Employment Initiative – Hire Autism

OAR’s employment initiative, Hire Autism, is a free program dedicated to helping individuals with autism find meaningful employment opportunities across the U.S. Hire Autism supports job seekers through various aspects of the job search process, including career exploration to providing helpful job search tools and advice. Hire Autism job seekers can access the following:

  • Step-by-step resume and cover letter writing guides (Available late January/early February)
  • Free resume or cover letter reviews by seasoned professionals
  • An autism-friendly employer jobs portal
  • Additional career exploration and job search resources

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The Sandy Lankler Jobs Portal lists employment opportunities and offers workplace resources for individuals on the spectrum. Hire Autism aims to provide job-seekers with meaningful employment opportunities commensurate with their skills.

For Employers

Through Hire Autism, employers can learn more about autism, recruit talented candidates, and access information on topics such as accommodations or best practices for managing an employee with autism. The Hire Autism jobs portal gives employers the ability to:

  • Post jobs for free (Employer registration required)
  • Access and pre-screen applicant profiles 
  • Contact and recruit neurodiverse candidates with autism
  • Receive application materials (ie. resume, references) and email notifications when people apply to jobs listed specifically through our jobs portal
  • View resources and tips to best support employees with autism

We invite employers to tap into our talent pool by becoming a Hire Autism Employer Partner. If you are interested in becoming an employer partner or learning more about Hire Autism, please contact business@hireautism.org or 703-216-1372.

For Job-Seekers

Hire Autism is intended for job-seekers 16 and older looking for their first job. The website is designed to be an autism-friendly space that helps job seekers find meaningful employment, internship, or volunteer opportunities. The information is intended to help teens, college students and young adults as well as their parents. Job seekers will be able to:

  • Utilize a resource center that includes step-by-step guides (Available late January/early February), interview tips, and advice on general employment topics
  • Request free assistance with resume and cover letter writing
  • Access an autism-friendly jobs board
  • Utilize a search feature tailored to individual needs like job type and location
  • Upload an existing resume, list of references, and cover letter when applying for a job

There is no cost to access Hire Autism’s resources or support. To sign up or for more information, please visit HireAutism.org.

Click here for a complete listing of Hire Autism Business Partners

Understanding Autism: An Employer’s Guide

OAR collaborated with the District of Columbia Public Schools to produce a short resource entitled Understanding Autism: An Employer’s Guide to help front line supervisors support their employees with autism. An Employer’s Guide is intended to help start the conversation about understanding, welcoming, training, and supporting young adults with autism in the workplace by outlining five keys to success:

  • Get to know your employee
  • Orient your employee and train them on specific job duties
  • Foster a welcoming and supportive workplace
  • Maximize your company’s existing support systems
  • Give clear directions and performance feedback

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Contact Us

OAR welcomes any volunteers who can contribute expertise, suggestions, comments, or concerns about OAR’s Adult Employment Initiative. Please contact us by emailing or call 703-216-1372.

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People with autism are uniquely vulnerable to the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Click here to access some resources to help guide you and your family during these challenging times.
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