Helping People With Autism Succeed in the Workforce

The Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) project aims to identify and share effective practices for helping people with ASD find employment and succeed in the workforce.

By recognizing effective vocational rehabilitation programs and conducting systematic reviews, program staff are identifying factors that may contribute to an individual with ASD finding and keeping a job. These practices include the following:

• Suitable work settings. Like most people, individuals with ASD are more likely to thrive at work if their responsibilities fit their interests and strengths. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs strive to find appropriate work settings for people with ASD, including flexible schedules, low social interaction, clear expectations of duties, and built-in time to learn new skills.
• Job coaching. A VR specialist can help individuals with ASD learn job tasks through activities like simulation training. They might also use role-playing to help individuals learn interpersonal skills needed to be accepted in the workplace.
• Long-term supports. Long-term supports should involve both employees and employers and are crucial for helping people with ASD succeed at their jobs. Supports can include assistance with adapting to changes such as new managers, co-workers, transportation issues, or other life changes.
• Integrated work settings. Working in an integrated work setting, where people with and without disabilities work together and interact socially, can have many benefits, including improved independent functioning, expression, and domestic and socialization skills.

Read about the effective programs the VR-Autism team has identified.
Read the project’s recently published systematic review, which summarizes some of the most recent research findings on helping people with ASD find work.