Therapist's Editorial: Young Adults with Autism Entering the Work Force
I recently came across a very interesting article while on
vacation. Well, actually my husband did
when reading his INC. Magazine. Normally
those types of articles are not “up my alley” as I prefer Better Homes &
Gardens, but this was something that sparked my interest as well as a passion
of mine. The article was called “Making
It Work” and it was about the growing population of people with Asperger’s
(those on the Autism Spectrum Disorder) now transitioning into adulthood, entering
the work force, and the struggles that are faced. Knowing this is not only in
my career field but a strong interest of mine, my husband chose to pass the
magazine over to me. Despite it being
more from a “business model” standpoint, I was able to relate as a therapist on
different levels (my husband, the accountant, interestingly pulled very
different points from it, which I always find amusing). I thought I would share my “take-aways” as it
is such a crucial part in our society that we must be able to grow with, or as
the article title said, “make it work”.
The article started by saying this year alone, “50,000
people on the autism spectrum will enter the work force”. It went on to share personal stories from
both perspectives of young adults with ASD who are entering the work force, as
well as business owners who have opened their employment needs to fit those
with ASD. Business models are making
shifts to not only the roles they offer but also to their way of hiring. As many know, a young adult on the spectrum
may already be at a disadvantage the second an interview begins. Interviewers look for eye contact, social
skills, good communication skills and relatable personalities. All things that may be extremely difficulty
for someone on the spectrum. To adapt
the world of work to better meet the needs (and strengths) of this growing
population, some businesses have begun giving series of assessments instead of
interviews. They look for their
strengths, weaknesses, abilities, vulnerabilities (i.e. sensory, noises,
communication) and are then able to have a better idea of if they are capable
of doing the job and where they are best placed.
A touching story of a father who has a son with Asperger’s
really stood out to me, and in my opinion, captured the idea behind the
article. This father worried for the
future of his 20-something son. Many
places of employment do not accommodate nor make a good fit for someone on the
spectrum, leaving very few options for his son to make a living for
himself. So he took it upon himself to
open up his own business: a car wash,
specifically designed to employ those on the spectrum. How amazing! His son is employed there along with other young
adults on the spectrum and its process acknowledges the typical preference of
those with ASD. It is a highly
structured environment. It has a number
of steps involved in each task that remains consistent, car after car. It also limits direct involvement with
customers. It is a place where someone
with ASD can work, be successful, and utilize their strengths.
Many other businesses are popping up with a similar approach
(or modifying what was already there). This
is so important and so necessary for our day in age. Instead of continuously trying to make people
“fit” into a certain role (that inevitably may never fit), why can’t we modify
our ways of doing things to utilize the strengths this population has?
There is so much more to this article; I barely brushed the
surface. And of course there are
differing opinions and controversies over this model. But it touched me and
inspired me, and I wanted to share it. I
found myself emotional, and so happy that people are moving in this direction. Having worked very closely with a number of
teens on the spectrum, I spent countless hours worrying where they will “fit”
into society after they leave our school doors.
I feel a sense of relief knowing there are people out there taking this
change on. I only hope it continues to
grow.
Posted by: Shawna Paplaski, LCPC
