ABSTRACT
The majority of people with autism are either unemployed or underemployed, suffering through more frequent job changes, less income, more adjustment issues, more rejection at interviews, and more troubled relationships than the general public. Sara R. Colorosa shares her wisdom from the field of human resources, offering several suggestions for helping employees with autism.
Colorosa recommends helping employees address the fears of the unknown that clients often have: what can they expect at work, can they handle the work load, what if they disappoint someone? She recommends helping clients get comfortable with uncomfortable feelings such as anxiety, worry, and letting others down. She suggests skill building, finding a career path via exploration of strengths, trying internships or volunteering, and differentiating hobby versus career. Finally, she recommends practicing the skills, including professional dress, introductions, and communication skills, with a member of the support system until the client feels competent with their implementation.
