Early Employment Outcomes for Individuals on The Autism Spectrum: When Judiciously Selected and Supported for Competitive Employment in Highly Skilled Technical Jobs

There is growing evidence that neurodiversity can strengthen a work force by adding new aptitudes, skills and ways of doing things. This contrasts with traditional views that engaging those with neurominority conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), present challenges in such areas as emotional intelligence, ability to quickly incorporate group norms, ability to network, and being a team player. Results provided support for the success of individuals with ASD when selected under favourable employment conditions, and provided with appropriate environmental accommodations, if necessary. Eighty-four percent of these individuals were still employed two years later, either in the same job or in an equivalent one in the same or a different organization. This was a much better employment outcome than has previously been reported for individuals with ASD. Keywords: Autism; Bona Fide Occupational Job Requirements; Competitive Employment; Environmental Accommodation; Diversity