Originally published in 2023. Updated in March 2026 by Samar Ismali.
The employment rate for adults with autism in Canada was last reported to be 33% compared to 79% for adults without a disability. This listicle provides career professionals with information and resources on autism, as well as for 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 rachel@ceric.ca and it may be added to this article or included in a future one.
‘A guide to Lauren’: How my personal autism handbook transformed my experience at work (CERIC)
A first-person perspective from someone who has autism, this guide explains what autism means for their day-to-day life, what it means at work, and how people can help. It also offers tips and advice for others with autism seeking to create their own guide.
ASD Central
This private Facebook group by Autism Canada is an online forum for adults on the autism spectrum to engage in conversation, ask questions and get advice.
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 Canada
Advocacy group Autism Canada provides many resources for those with autism, caregivers and professionals. The resources include publications, newsletters, screening tools and videos.
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.
Autism Ontario
Among its various programs and resources, Autism Ontario offers webinars on a variety of topics, such as Emotion Management and Energy Accounting and upcoming live sessions including The Female Profile of Autism on March 19th.
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
Autism: Supports and services (Government of Canada)
This resource from the Government of Canada lists available supports for those with autism per province which can include occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, training for parents, families and caregivers, behavioural therapy, medication, and education and school planning.
Canada’s Autism Strategy (Government of Canada)
Canada’s first Autism Strategy is a multi-year action plan that outlines specific federal initiatives that address five key priority areas:
- Improve screening, diagnosis and services across Canada;
- Strengthen economic inclusion;
- Enhance public health surveillance, data collection and research;
- Increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance; and
- Facilitate accessibility to evidence-informed autism resources and tools.
Employment Resources for Individuals with Autism (Autism Research Institute)
The Autism Research Institute has compiled a list of resources that may be useful to autistic people who are ready to begin a job search or start navigating a transition to adulthood.
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.
Framework for Autism in Canada (Government of Canada)
The Federal Framework for Autism Spectrum Disorder Act sets out guiding principles to help inform policies and programs and ensure communities, public and private institutions are inclusive of all people on the autism spectrum. The purpose of the framework is to promote the health and well-being of people of all ages on the autism spectrum as well as their advocates, families, and caregivers.
Geneva Centre for Autism
The Geneva Centre for Autism develops and delivers evidence-based clinical and recreational programs for children, youth, and adults with autism. It offers free training to help bridge the gap between employers and neurodiverse employees, and hosts an annual conference.
Interview prep for neurodiverse jobseekers: 7 resources to check out (CERIC)
People who are neurodivergent may experience unique challenges when preparing for an interview. This article provides information and resources on interview preparation for the neurodivergent, including those with autism.
Navigating Work (Dori Zener & Associates)
Dori Zener and Associates offers therapy, coaching, groups, and professional training for neurodivergent clients. Virtual and in-person therapy is offered, as well as a self-paced video series.
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 Neurodiversity Promotes More Empathetic Teams and Improves the Work Environment and Making Mentorship Neuroaffirming.
The Inclusive Workplace (Autism Alliance of Canada)
In partnership with Inclusion Canada, Autism Alliance of Canada launched “The Inclusive Workplace,” a free, bilingual online resource to support job seekers and employees who are on the autism spectrum or have an intellectual disability, businesses, and employment agencies. The Inclusive Workplace offers more than 100 free community-developed multimedia resources, including eLearning courses, guides, and other timely information.
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.
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.
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.
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. Worktopia will be hosting NEUROinclusion Untapped for employers and HR professionals on March 17 in Calgary, Alberta.
Additional reading
- A new diagnosis of ‘profound autism’ is under consideration. Here’s what parents need to know (The Guardian)
- Assisting adults with autism to transition from post-secondary into the workplace (Careering magazine)
- Considering Community Service: Career Development for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ThinkWork!)
- Employment Interventions for Persons with Autism Based on Recent Research (Case Association for Supported Employment)
- Family Tipsheet: Autism Resources For Families In The Community (Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital)
- Navigating Transitions Across the Lifespan (Autism Spectrum News)
- Transitioning into Adulthood (Autism Awareness Centre Inc.)
Lindsay Purchase has a background in journalism, having worked previously as a digital editor and reporter. Lindsay is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Global Studies program and Toronto Metropolitan University’s Food Security certificate program.
Lindsay Purchase has a background in journalism, having worked previously as a digital editor and reporter. Lindsay is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Global Studies program and Toronto Metropolitan University’s Food Security certificate program.
