Employment Tips for Adults with Autism
At Mass Care Link, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute to society and exercise their gifts in some form of productive work. While this is our belief, we do understand that there are some individuals who live with conditions that impact their ability to work. One such condition is autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Employment is difficult for individuals living with autism because it is a complex lifelong neurodevelopment condition. Such individuals tend to experience differences in behavior, communication, and overall social skills. In this article, we will discuss employment tips for adults living with autism.
Help Wanted: Securing and Keeping a Job with ASD is Possible
Contrary to what some may believe, individuals living with autism are capable of securing and keeping a job long term. Lack of acceptance and opportunity contributes to that fact that “In the United States, the unemployment rate for adults with autism is estimated to be between 80-90%.”
We encourage you to shake the limiting belief that you (or an autistic adult you know or care for) is incapable of working a meaningful job. There are even resources available for jobseekers on the spectrum.
Find the Right Fit: Choosing Your Employment Path
Now that we’re clear on the reality that job opportunities are fillable by individuals living with autism, we can start exploring employment options. During this process autistic individuals must be pivotal in selecting their employment path.
Your employment path must be based on your unique abilities and challenges. Here are some key features of career paths that are great for many adults living with autism:
- Work that’s Conducive for Visual Thinkers: Many adults living with autism are visual thinkers and have long-term memory. Such individuals are great in roles like computer programming, drafting, graphic design, website development/design and photography.
- Career Options for people Great with Numbers: Accounting, laboratory technician, engineering and statistician roles are also great for autistic adults who are comfortable working with numbers.
- Employment Options with Repetition: Individuals who work well with repetitive tasks are often best suited for jobs like factory assembly, restocking shelves, warehouse roles and recycling plants.
- Roles with a Clear Goal: It’s common that adults with autism enjoy methodical work that have clearly defined end-goals. Roles that fit this criterion are appliance repairer, automobile mechanic and building maintenance.
Expand Your Experience: Work Experience Doesn’t Need to be Paid
Individuals living with autism tend to have less work experience than those who aren’t. To combat this, be sure to gain work experience as you prepare to formally work by taking on part-time or summer vacation roles. If you have long aged beyond the realm of summer work, you can consider taking on volunteer work to build up your work experience and become more employable. Inclusive volunteering opportunities include:
- Serving meals at soup kitchens,
- Stocking food pantries,
- Preparing and delivering meals to seniors,
- Helping keep communities beautiful,
- Spending time with people who are isolated,
- Helping care for pets and other animals, and more.
When in Doubt, Act it Out: Do Mock Interviews
In preparation for potential work, spend time evaluating your skills, experience, and strengths. This will help you to maneuver the pre-employment aspects of your job hunt with greater confidence. Here are some questions you should practice answering ahead of your job interview:
- What is your work experience?
- What are your skills?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Do you need any accommodations?
- What hours can you work?
- How many hours can you work?
- Do you have reliable transportation?
As you consider these tips for securing employment as an adult with autism, we encourage you to be patient with yourself or the autistic client or loved one you are helping to secure a job. Keep an eye out for entities that go the extra mile to help individuals with ASD to thrive in the workplace.
Are you currently offering care to a loved one with autism at home? Check out the Mass Care Link Resources Center for information on caretaking and autism spectrum disorder.