Autism and Employment: A Quick Guide |Disabled Person
Autism and Employment: A Quick Guide
Over half of?young adults with autism ?remain unemployed after schooling. Those who do work often fill low-paying positions requiring few qualifications.
In reality, adults with autism have unique skills and perspectives that various jobs and fields can benefit from.
Here are the basics you need to know to navigate autism and employment.
Autism and Employment Challenges
For people on the autism spectrum, there are some unique challenges that can arise in the workplace. But these challenges aren't reason to avoid employment. Instead, knowing some common challenges can help you better identify what you need and how your experience may differ from others.
Some common challenges at work can include:
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If you have autism, one or more of these challenges may be relevant for you.
But?everyone?faces their own unique challenges in the workplace. The challenges you face with an autism spectrum disorder don't have to keep you from?thriving in the workplace.
Strengths and Skills at Work
Now you know some common challenges faced when working with autism. But what about strengths?
There may be stereotypes that keep people with autism from finding work. You may have started to even internalize these stereotypes, believing that your neurodiversity is just a limitation.
But it's important to not?overlook your strengths.?Identify your special skills, and let these inspire?your job search.
Many people on the autism spectrum excel at memorization, reading, rational thinking skills, problem-solving, mathematics, learning new information quickly, noticing small details, and many other talents.
Many people with autism also have interests or hobbies that they're deeply passionate about. This passion can then be used at work.
For example, you may be an expert on cars?and can bring that knowledge to a job in the automotive industry. Maybe you're detailed when it comes to TV characters, and you'd be excellent in identifying customer profiles in a marketing role. Or perhaps you have a passion for tech and would make a great web developer.
How to Find a Job With Autism
To find employment as a person with autism, there are resources available to help.
The key is to find an employer that can understand and accommodate neurodiversity. Our?job board ?at Disabledperson.com?lists a wide variety of job openings for people with disabilities.
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You can learn about the different requirements and accommodations provided for each open position. Then, you can decide which jobs are a good fit for your needs, abilities, and interests.
You can also find out?typical salaries ?for different types of work.
Remember, autism is?not?justification for?discrimination or a below-average?salary. The?Americans with Disabilities Act ?(ADA) considers autism to be a legal disability. This means that?your right to seek equal employment opportunities is?protected by law.
Build Confidence With Training and Coaching
If you're new to job hunting or just feeling nervous, build confidence before finding work.
A mentor or teacher can help build confidence and teach you valuable workplace skills. You can also first take a volunteer or internship position to help you gain experience and receive constructive feedback from managers.
It's also important to build?marketable skills ?through training and education. This can include productivity, IT, and computer skills needed in many jobs today.
You can then put these experiences and skills on your resume. If you feel unsure of what to talk about in a job interview, you can also think back to these experiences and education you've completed. Employers want to know about your background and abilities, so don't hesitate to confidently talk about?what you've learned.
Communicate With Employers
When finding and accepting a job, remember the value of communication.
Be open about what you need in your job. Be clear about what type of environment you work best in and what sensory triggers you may have. If you already have a solution for those triggers, suggest it to your employer. For example, ask your manager if it's okay to use earphones to block the sound of phones ringing.
You may also want to ask for a briefing on the details of your role and day-to-day schedule so you can mentally prepare before.
And if you get confused by an employer's instructions?or feedback, tell them directly. Ask for another explanation so you can respond with confidence.
For some people with autism, there may be specific preferred communication methods. For example, you may prefer email and written messages over verbal communication.
Communication is important, and your preferences are valid. Be sure to discuss your communication style and requests with your employer.
Stay Patient
Autism doesn't have to stop you from working. But you might find it difficult to keep up and adapt at first.
That's okay! Stay patient, and trust that you can learn and grow through this experience. Some adjustments may need to be made here and there, but you will overcome many of the challenges faced in the beginning of a new job.
Get Started in Your Job Search Now
Autism and employment can go hand-in-hand. With the right planning and accommodations, people on the autism spectrum can thrive in the workplace.
Find autism jobs that fit your needs and celebrate your abilities.?Create your job seeker account ?now to start searching for jobs and receive?access to special features to help match you with your next job!