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Broadening Employment Opportunities for Adults with Autism and/or Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD): A Call to Action
Every morning at First Place–Phoenix, a supportive housing property in Midtown Phoenix, Arizona for adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), residents head out with determination and hustle. Some volunteer. Some hold part-time or full-time jobs. Others are still...
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Fostering Safety and Stability for Autistic Adults During the Transition from College to Career
For many young adults, the shift from college to career is a time of excitement and possibility. But for autistic adults, it can also bring a unique set of challenges, especially when systems of support that existed in educational settings begin to fall away. Without intentional planning,...
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The Day I Learned That Stepping Away Isn’t Giving Up – It’s How Autistic Brains Navigate Change
Whenever I have had a big change coming, I tell myself "I can handle this." I have always been good at problem-solving, at figuring things out methodically. Moving away from home for the first time to live at a program for young adults with autism? No problem – I was prepared to learn everything...
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Autism Laws and Policies: How Legal Protections Can Prevent Stigmatization and Support Advocacy Efforts
Over the past 50 years, autism laws and policies have supported the needs and rights of individuals living with autism spectrum disorder. They have protected access to healthcare, education, employment, housing, and community integration. The lives of people with autism have been improved; their...
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More Than Work: Autism, Stigma, and the Power of Belonging
What could karaoke possibly have to do with autism and workplace stigma? We’ll get to that, but first, allow us to explain what we do for a living. We are both privileged to work in the Employment Program at an agency called Job Path, where we match people with autism and other disabilities...
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Co-Mentorship: A Catalyst for Fighting Stigma and Career Success
Autistic professionals bring critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and unique insight to the workforce. Yet many face persistent stigma and misunderstanding that hinder their full participation in professional spaces. Misconceptions about communication styles, social behavior, and sensory...
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The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina: Advancing Direct Care Services to Improve Outcomes
In 2023, about 22.5% of people with a disability in the U.S. were employed, a shocking contrast to their age-matched, non-disabled peers that are employed at 65.8% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Over the next decade, a significant number of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),...
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How Cybersecurity and Technology Jobs Can Equal Success for Autistic Individuals
Technology has become the backbone of modern society, offering exciting career opportunities for individuals from all walks of life. For autistic individuals, the tech industry presents unique advantages that align with their skills and preferences, creating pathways for meaningful and fulfilling...
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Bridging the Gap: Mastering Workplace Communication for Autistic Young Adults
Effective communication is essential for workplace success. For autistic young adults seeking employment, understanding and adapting unique communication styles can help create more successful outcomes. Being on the autism spectrum doesn’t mean that you can’t have a meaningful and...
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Enhancing Communication Skills in the Workplace: Strategies for Autistic Employees and Employers
Communication in the workplace is a vital key to increasing employee engagement and allowing new perspectives and voices to be heard. Once a work environment exists where all members of staff feel comfortable communicating, you are likely to see greater innovation, growth, and more effective teams...
