Although the mission of the Autism Research Institute is to support the health and well-being of people affected by autism through innovative, impactful scientific research and education, we do sometimes come across information that is not medically-focused but is integral to the quality of life of individuals with autism and their families. The resources below were taken from a previous ARI initiative focusing on employment for individuals with autism. Although that initiative has concluded, we have collected some of the most relevant information and made it available on this page.
The following links may be useful to autistic people who are ready to begin a job search or start navigating a transition to adulthood. We do not necessarily endorse the organizations or views represented here. They are provided strictly as resources that may be useful to some autistic individuals:
- Temple Grandin: The world needs all kinds of minds (TED Talk)
- Speciali Sterne Foundation – works to provide employment for people diagnosed with ASD
- Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide For Transition to Adulthood
- Project search
- Networking: A Consumer Guide to an Effective Job Search
- Road to Self-Sufficiency: A Guide to Entrepreneurship for Youth with Disabilities
- Find your local SBA office and other local resources
- Real People, Real Jobs
- (One-Stop) Career Centers (Also Known As American Jobs Centers)
- Disclosure Decisions Worksheet
- Starting with Me: A Guide to Person-Centered Planning for Job Seekers
- Employability/Life Skills Assessment
- Ticket to Work
- One-Stop Centers: A Guide for Job Seekers with Disabilities
- The Autism Full Employment Act: The Next Stage of Jobs for Adults with Autism, ADHD, and Other Learning and Mental Health Differences
For a look at the research surrounding employment and career paths for individuals with autism, please view our Career-Related Research page. You can also visit the following organizations for more autism-related career resources or support.
Study finds that employees with autism are less likely to exhibit “bystander” effect
Employees with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may contribute to businesses in a unique way because they are less likely than neurotypical individuals to exhibit the “bystander” effect, according to a new
Prevalence of autism in adults increasing rapidly in the U.S.
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) among adults in the United States is rising rapidly, according to a new study. Eric Rubenstein and colleagues analyzed a random sample
Autistic adults show enhanced generosity toward strangers
Adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) tend to be more generous to strangers than their neurotypical peers are, according to new research. In the study, Paul Forbes and colleagues explored differences
From Special to H.A.P.P.Y.
Peter Vermeulen, Ph.D., considers a positive approach to psychoeducation for autistic individuals. He draws on over 25 years of experience to illustrate contemporary changes in autism intervention focus and discourse. The speaker
Older adults with ASD at higher risk for many health issues
A large-scale study from researchers in Sweden and Poland indicates that older adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at significantly higher risk than their non-autistic peers for a range of
LGBTQIA+ and Autism
Contemporary research on the intersection of autism, sexuality, and gender identity asserts that autistic individuals are more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ than the neurotypical population. Similarly, the prevalence of autism is