Autism Speaks, Community, Family Services, Autism in the Workplace

New! President Obama Announces New Initiatives During National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Autism Speaks Family Services is pleased to highlight individuals with autism who are working as well as testimonials from their employers. This page should serve as a source of inspiration and resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, as well as for prospective employers.

Below are the stories of some individuals who are currently working in various fields captured on video. In addition to the videos, there are summaries of the steps involved in helping these individuals achieve success in a workplace environment.

UM-NSU CARD

UM-NSU CARD, which provides services to individuals in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties in Florida, is a comprehensive outreach and support program serving people with autism and related disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. UM-NSU CARD operates under the supervision of a constituency board comprised of family members who help guide program policy priorities and activities. CARD seeks to provide support and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism, dual sensory impairment, and related disabilities.

Executive Director Michael Alessandri, Ph.D, discusses two different individual's gainful employment in this video entitled Adult Success Stories. Alessandri's commentary is mixed with personal testimony from the employees about their positive experiences.
Click here to see steps put in place.

Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism

Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism in Commack, New York offers hope to people with autism and their families by providing high quality life-long support through services which enable people with autism to function better in everyday life. NSSA offers the most advanced treatment and training programs for the benefit of people with autism, and will continue to pioneer, through research, comprehensive treatment models which can be adopted nationally.

Shelley:This clip contains commentary by Shelley Ourian and her supervisor, Bonnie Eisert of Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism in Commack, New York. The video documents and discusses Shelley's journey from a supervised internship to being successfully employed as a teaching assistant.
Click here to see steps put in place.

Andy: Through Nassau Suffolk Services, Andy Williams is successfully working at Great Neck Plaza Village Hall in Great Neck, New York. This video features commentary from Andy's supervisor, as well as footage of Andy at work.
Click here to see steps put in place.

Jay Nolan Community Services, Inc.

Jay Nolan Community Services, Inc. (JNCS) provides an array of support services to individuals in Los Angeles and its surrounding counties and in Santa Clara County. The mission of JNCS is to enable individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives as members of the community by providing support services customized to their individual needs. JNCS offers individualized planning guided by the needs and wishes of the person receiving services and his or her circle of support.

Stephen : Currently employed as a part-time Accounts Receivable Clerk at Masterplan located in Chatsworth, CA, Stephen's hard work, focus, and skills are dually recognized by his employer as well as his colleagues. They highly respect and admire his completed work assignments which are very detail-oriented and void of errors.
Click here to see steps put in place.

Below is the story of Andrew Pegg, an individual who is currently self-employed after attending the Center for Career and Technical Education High School in Cresaptown, Maryland, where he learned computer graphics and computer technology.

Andrew: Working with the Maryland State Department of Rehabilitation Services counselors, and with mentoring from his high school teaching assistant and former graphics teacher, as well as the support of his family, Andrew opened his own business. He is the hardworking owner and the producer of Designs & Graphics by Andilla.
Click here to see steps put in place.

Resources
Employment Resources
Local Resources
Key Terms
Information for Employers

Adult Autism and Employment: A Guide for Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals
by Scott Standifer, PhD, A Product of the University of Missouri's TACE Center

In the News
Maplewood bookstore owners aim to help kids with special needs
Adult Employment: Strangers in a Strange Land
Thinking in Numbers: Who is Most Likely to Employ Those with Autism?
How 1 Young Autistic Man Runs a Business
'Tears for Life' Business Wins Big
Marcus Autism Center Helps Teens
Local Organization Provides Support to Adults Living with Autism

A special thanks to the Work Group and Advisory Committee and all those who helped to make Autism in the Workplace possible.

If you have video clips or a story for Autism in the Workplace that you wish to share please send it to autismintheworkplace@autismspeaks.org. Autism Speaks reserves the right to edit contributions for space, style and content. Because of the volume of submissions, not all can be published on the site.