Employment
Those with Asperger profiles often have significant skills, abilities, and talents in a wide range of fields in addition to having a great desire to contribute to society and make a difference in the world. We need people who think differently to innovate, create, and solve problems. Unfortunately, many individuals with Asperger profiles who have these abilities are not given ample opportunities to contribute. Despite the fact that most individuals with Asperger profiles have an above average IQ, roughly 12% of people diagnosed on the autism spectrum are employed full-time; the remaining 88% are either unemployed or underemployed.
In the right environments, with the proper accommodations, and understanding supervisors, people with Asperger profiles can become dependable, loyal, trustworthy, capable, and valuable employees.
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Employment and Asperger Syndrome
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Inadequate vocational services
Graduating from high school and transitioning to the world of work is an extremely important and exciting milestone. However, for many young adults with autism obtaining and maintaining employment can present some unique challenges. Unfortunately, despite the... more
About Asperger/Autism Spectrum:
It is neurological and affects the way information is processed in the brain.
It is often an invisible difference. Many people appear very competent, but have difficulties in areas of communication and social interaction.
It has a genetic and hereditary... more
2023 Update: How to Find Public Benefits Programs to Support Autistic Adults in Any State
Recording + Slides
Looking to the Future: Housing Options for People with Developmental Disabilities Presentation
Recording + Slides
ABLE Accounts
Recording + Slides
Applying for and Accessing Services from the Office for People with... more
2023 Update: How to Find Public Benefits Programs to Support Autistic Adults in Any State
Recording + Slides
Thinking About Housing
Recording + Slides
Health Insurance for Autistic Adults in MA
Recording + Slides
Health Insurance After 26 Handout
Third Party Liability Form 11.21
Third Party Liability Form Cheatsheet
MassHealth... more
Why Being Autistic in the Workplace is Hard
04/04/2023
Stigma, bias, and ableism are three of the biggest obstacles facing Autistic people at work, and I am no exception. I am an openly Autistic DEIB professional and the director of training at AANE, and, in an effort to educate and create equity in our workplaces for other Neurodivergent and otherwise... more
Neurocurious: Creating a Learning Culture
10/04/2022
Twenty years ago I had been at a job for a number of months working for a supportive manager who’d recognized my skills and nurtured my development. But then she’d left for another role, and another group began supervising my position. The group was led by a tyrant of a man who supervised a... more
From Interest to Career
09/08/2022
For a long time, many people had the misguided belief that when autistic individuals had an intense interest or passion, it should be restricted. But research has shown that strong areas of interest can provide immense benefits, including personal fulfillment, self-regulation, social connections,... more
Autism Disclosure at Work
07/07/2022
For Autistic individuals, the issue of whether, when, and how to disclose their Autism to an employer can cause anxiety and confusion. There can be many pros and cons to the decision, and it is not always straightforward. A general disclosure without consideration for the reasoning or desired... more
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an overwhelming catastrophe on many fronts. In addition to the heartbreaking loss of life and the devastation to the economy, it has played havoc with the daily routines, social connections, and livelihoods of many adults with Asperger/Autism profiles in our... more
If you’re an employer in 2021, you’re probably thinking a lot about diversity. You likely know why diversity matters in itself. You may also know that there’s a business case for it. Diversity, particularly diversity of thought, helps an organization solve problems in novel ways and... more
These materials were presented at Asperger Syndrome and Adult Life: Navigating the Massachusetts Public and Private Supports and Service Systems on February 4th, 2017 and are gathered here for review.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Overview
Elsa Jiménez: Working with Public... more
Elaine Hill works at the Center for the Disabled in Albany, NY, in a day rehab program. She has over 13 years of experience in occupational therapy.
Young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome may face challenges with social interaction, impaired motor skills, sensory processing issues, repetitive... more
By Sam Farmer
Considering my Asperger’s diagnosis, I feel very fortunate to have had a wealth of career successes over the years. As a result, I have much to share regarding what has contributed to this success. Hopefully at least some of what I have to say proves to be beneficial to you with... more
Helping Adults with Asperger Syndrome Get and Stay Hired
Recommended Reading
Employment expert Barbara Bissonnette provides strategies that professionals and parents can use to work alongside individuals with Asperger/Autism profiles to help find and keep manageable jobs.
Career counselors and coaches, vocational rehabilitation specialists, other professionals, and... more