AUTISM EMPLOYMENT: AN INCLUSIVE MINDSET

A PLACE AT THE TABLE: An inclusive mindset is expressed through appreciating the inherent value of every human being and insisting that each individual must be included as a member of society.

BY SAMUEL J. LEVINE

Alongside continuing efforts to promote autism acceptance and inclusion in the educational setting, there has developed a growing awareness of the need to provide further structures and supports when individuals age out of the educational system.

Autism employment has received increasing attention, given the impact of employment on many other transitional areas, such as life skills and independent living, economic viability, social and emotional wellness, and overall mental and physical health. It is therefore particularly troubling that, by nearly all accounts, individuals on the autism spectrum are dispro

-portionately unemployed and underemployed, and consequently, deprived of the opportunity to develop their full potential.

Over the years, I have taken part in various efforts to promote autism employment, hosting webinars, visiting and observing work sites, and speaking with both employers and employees participating in autism employment programs. At the outset, it should be emphasized that, of course, each autistic individual is different from others, and each employment setting is different from others. As such, many of my observations and suggestions may apply to certain individuals and companies, but not to others.

Still, based on my experiences, and in light of the importance of autism employment, I would like to suggest that, in addition to incorporating other crucial elements, successful autism employment programs share the key component of operating under an