While the employment rate for adults with autism has increased, it still falls significantly below that of the general population. Stigma and lack of knowledge on the part of employers often lead them to overlook this largely untapped talent pool. Professionals working in career development can help move the needle by being more informed about autism, accommodations and resources available to employers as well as students and jobseekers on the autism spectrum.
These resources and organizations offer a snapshot of supports related to employment and education for people with autism in Canada. Have a resource you want to share? Comment below or email lindsay@ceric.ca, and it may be added to this article or included in a future one.
ASD Central
A Facebook group for adults on the autism spectrum to ask questions and get advice, by Autism Canada. It is not specific to employment but could still be a helpful resources for clients navigating work or education decisions.
Autism Alliance of Canada
The Autism Alliance of Canada facilitates dialogue, advances research, and works with governments to develop and implement a National Autism Strategy. It hosts the annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit; partners with Inclusion Canada to deliver the Ready, Willing and Able national employment initiative; and offers a Language Guide.
Autism and Neurodiversity in the Workplace (Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism)
This free program includes a series of six self-paced, interactive modules filled with useful activities and videos. The program is designed to assist human resource professionals, employers, supervisors, managers, co-workers, job coaches and counsellors, autistic employees, parents, students and anyone interested in inclusive employment to learn practical strategies on how to support all employees to be successful on the job.
EmploymentWorks (SocialliiASD)
EmploymentWorks is a proven program that offers employment preparedness training and support, combined with job sampling and hands-on or simulated work experiences to autistics and persons with disabilities. The program is designed for individuals who want to enter or return to the workforce, and who are willing to develop and practice the skills necessary to prepare for, find and keep a job. In addition to the in-person program, a self-paced, online program is available.
Autism Ontario
Among its various programs and resources, Autism Ontario offers webinars on a variety of topics, such as “Disclosure, Job Searching & Being Social At Work” and “Employment Readiness,” which may be valuable to individuals with autism, their families or career professionals.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Job Readiness Project (JVS Toronto)
This program is designed for individuals with ASD between the ages of 18 and 30 years old looking for support in preparing for, obtaining and retaining employment.
The programs includes:
- 8-week workshop series to develop job readiness skills
- Workshop topics include workplace communication, employer interactions, workplace behaviour, and self advocacy
- Weekly one-on-one sessions to set and achieve goals
- Paid work placement for up to 14 weeks
- On-the-job coaching and support
- Job retention workshops
Embracing neurodiversity at work: How Canadians with autism can help employers close the talent gap (Deloitte)
This report highlights the barriers to employment faced by the autistic community, as well as the opportunities for employers to successfully hire, onboard and support staff with autism.
Geneva Centre for Autism
Resources for people with autism of all ages. For instance, it offers free training to help bridge the gap between employers and neurodiverse employees, and hosts an annual conference.
Navigating Work (Dori Zener & Associates)
Navigating Work is a virtual support group and workshop series for neurodivergent adults who are interested in building their careers or seeking support with their job search. It aims to foster an enabling and empowering place for neurodivergent individuals to share ideas about the workforce and how to successfully navigate the world of work.
Specialisterne Canada
Specialisterne Canada supports employers to tap into the talents of a neurodiverse workforce and to build inclusive organizations. Jobseekers have the opportunity to join its talent pool, and the organization supports businesses to face barriers that prevent them from successfully employing people within this population. It publishes a regular blog on topics such as “Supporting Neurodivergent Employees in Job Crafting” and “What Is ‘Masking’, and Why Do Your Autistic Employees Do It?“
Transition planning for youth with a developmental disability (ConnectAbility)
Transitioning to adulthood is a process requiring advanced planning and preparation. This toolkits and tip sheets highlights questions and pathways to consider for students with autism at milestone decision-making ages (Grade 8, Grades 9 and 10, age 16 and 18+), as well as resources and advice at each stage.
The Social Tree Foundation
This organization aims to create a more inclusive future for individuals on the autism spectrum by using a multidisciplinary and holistic approach that includes parents, educational institutions, corporations, government, and the local community. Its “Untapped Talent” virtual program is provides guidance around the different career paths for individuals on the autism spectrum. Through its Career Centre, the Social Tree Foundation offers employer training, individual accompaniment, workshops and more.
Three mistakes career professionals make when supporting clients with autism (CareerWise)
Sarah Taylor, Principal Consultant at Next Level ASD Consulting, outlines three major mistakes made by career development professionals when they support individuals who live on the spectrum. Developing the competencies necessary to serve this gifted but highly barriered population is a critical skill for employment professionals.
Transition Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities – Austism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
This guide identifies common concerns and struggles for individuals on the autism spectrum, potential accommodations that may be available to students in a post-secondary environment, support organizations and resources.
Worktopia
Worktopia is an initiative to share knowledge, resources and information about services that can help advance neuroinclusive practices in the workplace. It has resources for employers and families including an Employer Resource Quick Guide. Worktopia offers no-cost NEUROinclusive Workforce Solutions to help workplaces implement practical strategies and approaches related to neurodiversity, equity and inclusion.
Additional reading
- Assisting adults with autism to transition from post-secondary into the workplace (Careering magazine)
- Canada needs workers — so why aren’t more companies hiring the neurodivergent? (CBC)
- Career Planning for People on the Autism Spectrum (Autism Spectrum News)
- Considering Community Service: Career Development for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ThinkWork!)
- Fork theory: A multi-pronged approach to support neurodivergent networking (CareerWise)
- In hiring people with autism, focus on interview process (HRReporter)
- Talking to employers and colleagues about neurodiversity (CareerWise)
- Transitioning into Adulthood (Autism Awareness Centre Inc.)
- 86% of adults with autism are unemployed. This job fair aims to change that (CBC)
- Disability in demand: People with autism offer employers a broader talent pool (CBC)
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