Graduate Project

Employment for autistic adults in a neurodiverse workplace: a website of resources

Unemployment among autistic adults is estimated at between 70 and 90 percent and employments outcomes are unfavorable compared to both their non-autistic and other disabled peers. Autistics face many challenges, especially during the transition into adulthood, a phase when support services are often limited. In addition, only two percent of federal-funded ASD research focuses on lifespan issues, such as the transition to adulthood, employment, postsecondary education, housing, and co-occurring conditions. This project specifically focuses on the transition to employment for young adults with autism. Unfortunately, most employers are unaware how to best accommodate autistic individuals in the workplace. Neurodiversity is an emerging philosophy that promotes the idea that autistic or neurodivergent individuals bring unique talents and strengths to a workplace. Creating a more inclusive, or neurodiverse workplace addresses both the needs of the autistic employee and the productivity needs of the employer. This project identifies: the barriers and facilitators of employment for autistic adults, how neurodiverse workplaces lower employment barriers and promote successful employment, ways to establish a neurodiverse workspace, and available resources to support successful employment for autistic adults. In addition, this project includes a website of resources that promote meaningful employment for autistics. It identifies several prominent neurodiverse companies that may be attractive employment options for neurodivergent job-seekers and that are models for other non-neurodiverse companies wanting to make a change. The site provides ideas on how companies can create a more inclusive work environment for autistics and neurodiverse peers. Ultimately, it is an effort to bring awareness to the need of the autistic population, and how certain adjustments can not only benefit autistics, but also neurotypical co-workers, and company profits.

Chico State is committed to accessibility. If you have any problems accessing this material, please contact the Accessibility Resource Center at (530) 898-5959 or submit an Accessible Content service ticket.

Items in ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.