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Autistic people and employment
People with autism spectrum disorder need jobs to live independently. But unfortunately for them, the respect for gainful employment is quite bleak. There is a lack of research on employment rates of autistic adults around the world. However, conservative estimates suggest that more than 80% of autistic people do not work. In the UK, only 12% of high-functioning autistic adults find full-time employment. Those with a more severe form of autism only have a 2% chance of finding jobs. Psychotherapy, life skills and job training can make a big difference. A recent study in the US found that at least 87% of autistic teenagers who were helped to get a job...
Autistic people and employment
People with autism spectrum disorder need jobs to live independently. But unfortunately for them, the respect for gainful employment is quite bleak. There is a lack of research on employment rates of autistic adults around the world. However, conservative estimates suggest that more than 80% of autistic people do not work. In the UK, only 12% of high-functioning autistic adults find full-time employment. Those with a more severe form of autism only have a 2% chance of finding jobs.
Psychotherapy, life skills and job training can make a big difference. A recent study in the US found that at least 87% of autistic teenagers who were helped to find a job were able to get one. On the other hand, only 6% of those who received no support were successful.
In most countries, support ends when an autistic person leaves full-time education. Esteban Maxis, a 25-year-old NGO worker with Asperger's syndrome, describes leaving school as "jumping off a cliff." He is no longer entitled to the social coaching he previously received with English and math lessons. It is difficult to assess how many autistic adults are actually able to work. Almost half of those affected usually have above-average intelligence. They often use the What’s the Expression and Make Sentences apps to support their communication. But intelligence level is not an indicator of an autistic person's employability. He/she can score high on IQ tests, but suffers from anxiety and cannot go far from home.
Contrary to popular belief, most people with autism spectrum disorder are willing to work. But high-functioning autistic adults have a much better chance of getting a job than those who are severely affected.
The interview is the first big hurdle. Most autistic people struggle with social conventions such as maintaining eye contact when speaking. While the What's the Expression and Make Sentences apps can help greatly, the application of the mind is most important at this time. Serena Gomez, who works for an animal rescue organization, remembers that in her first few interviews, she didn't know when to shake the interviewer's hand. She often prepares a script before meeting new people in a formal setting.
Additionally, most autistic people speak bluntly. Team meetings don't work for them. Autistic people typically have a single-minded pursuit. You want to focus on the work at hand instead of discussing the next weekend trip. This makes it difficult for people with autism who cannot indulge in friendly banter.
Inspired by Kevin Carter