Finding a good job in a tough economy is difficult, and it can be all the more complicated for individuals finding themselves on the autism spectrum. People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may go through a rough patch trying to break into the workforce, build a career, or secure a position once they’ve received one.
The working environment can pose challenges and barriers and be intimidating for individuals on the autism spectrum, despite their valuable resources that would benefit companies and enterprises to extraordinary extents.
Many businesses have yet to develop a proper and healthy environment in which autistic people can thrive and take advantage of the abilities and talents they have. By taking a moment to reflect on the unparalleled contributions that renowned scientists, artists, historical figures, and other personalities have made to the world, one can conclude that there’s untapped potential yet to be unblocked.
Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Harney Cavendish and Emily Dickinson are some renowned figures who have accomplished impressive things and are believed to have had ASD. In 2021, Elon Musk made a spectacular apparition in which he disclosed that he has Asperger’s syndrome – a developmental disorder and form of ASD.
To help those with ASD overcome the challenges of a less-inclusive working environment, more non-profit autism organizations like Autism Speaks are working to promote employment among companies and businesses. In this article, we’ll delve into the organizations that are boosting awareness, the advantages that those with ASD can bring to the workplace, and other information that you may find helpful.
Autism Speaks’ program helps companies build workplace inclusivity
There are ongoing efforts that non-profit organizations run by and built for people with ASD make to transform the world and the entrepreneurial space into a place that’s more inclusive and diversity-tolerant. The organization’s Workplace Inclusion Now works as a system that grows and encourages an inclusive workplace culture aimed at facilitating every party involved. Resources, tips, and stories are just some of the tools that the non-profit organization is providing companies and businesses to help them create a healthy environment and retain employees on the autism spectrum. Through a two-prong approach that provides the resources and tools that companies need to get ASD employees onboard and train them effectively, the Autism Speaks organization is one step closer to helping both parties overcome challenges in hiring those on the spectrum.
Despite the many challenges, people are becoming increasingly aware of how important people with ASD are in the workforce. Everyone can make a significant contribution, and there are mechanisms to protect them if acts of injustice are committed, or problems and accidents at work arise.
Employee safety takes centre stage
The well-being and safety of employees take centre stage in increasingly more discussions today as efforts to protect and retain the workforce become more stringent. In the event that a person with ASD is involved in a work-related accident and suffers harm or injuries, they can reach out to a claim solicitor and see if they can claim the company. Everyone injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing can seek specialist help and reduce some of the harm suffered. It only takes reaching out to specialised solicitors to be guided through the process and help you secure the best compensation.
Businesses miss on great opportunities
Employment rates in the community with individuals on the autism spectrum are significantly lower compared to those who don’t deal with similar conditions. Research shows that only 33.3% of autistic people are employed in the United Kingdom, with charities like Autistica working to see the numbers hit 50%. At the same time, the situation in the United States is nowhere better. Around 20% of people with autism spectrum syndromes participate in the workforce.
The numbers are startling, considering that 44% of people on the Autism spectrum have average or above-average intellectual abilities. Autistic people are recognized for displaying a wide range of skills and strengths linked to their diagnosis, such as the following:
- Extraordinary abilities in fields like mathematics, engineering, and science, as they have a logical and technical thinking
- An excellent ability to remember things and fantastic memory
- Learning information and memorizing it quickly
- Hyperplexia, or the ability to read early
- Learning and thinking in a visual way
- Ability to focus for long periods
- Reliability and honesty
- Problem-solving abilities
- Logical thinking ability
- Punctuality.
Other NGOs work to improve opportunities for those on the Autism spectrum
More non-profit organizations are dedicated today to improving the work environment and prospects for those on the Autism spectrum, with examples like the following three standing out:
The Asperger/Autism Network is an independent, non-profit organization that aims to bridge the gap between professionals, families, and individuals who want to help individuals with autism spectrum profiles like Asperger Syndrome integrate better and create meaningful relationships. It has a rich history of helping those in need as it is among the first Asperger-focused non-profit U.S. organizations, built in 1996, soon after Asperger Syndrome was included in an educational manual. Ever since, the organization has made it a goal to help interested parties with information, support, education, and referrals to build a healthier environment for those on the Autism spectrum.
In 2019, the organization partnered with the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association to further support research and actual community involvement to better support the Asperger/autism communities.
The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a non-profit advocacy organization managed by individuals on the autism spectrum to serve individuals in the community. The organization’s efforts aim to represent individuals on the autism spectrum in situations that impact them, like accessibility to services, their portrayal in the media, and how the laws protect them. ASAN also strives to increase understanding of what Autism entails and of the related conditions. The organization’s primary goal is to ensure equal opportunities for people with Autism in a broad range of life aspects.
The Autism Science Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to educational and charitable purposes, funding and supporting innovative autism research, and assisting organizations and scientists working towards the same goal. The foundation works to improve opportunities to discover more effective treatments and find the roots of Autism.
A greater number of employment opportunities are anticipated to arise due to the sustained efforts made by non-profit organizations to improve employment prospects for people on the autism spectrum.
