CAREER ASSISTANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM
Republished under a Creative Commons license. It was originally published on Hloom.com
Many people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) look forward to the satisfaction and independence that come with being employed.
Unfortunately, the majority of people with ASD struggle to get hired. One reason is that employers aren’t educated about the abilities and skills autistic job seekers possess. Another is that successfully navigating the job search process can be challenging for someone with ASD if they don’t have the right guidance and assistance. If you’re a job seeker with autism or their caregiver, take advantage of the resources, advice, articles, and other information provided in this guide.
It’s Your Right
People with autism and other disabilities are protected from employment discrimination by certain laws. Before you begin your search, make sure you are aware of your legal rights. My Employment Rights – AutismSpeaks.org provides this helpful fact sheet, which explains the federal laws that work to prevent employment discrimination of people with disabilities. Accommodations for Employees with Autism Spectrum Disorder – As part of its Accommodations and Compliance Series, this guide from Job Accommodation Network is designed to help employers determine the best accommodations for employees with ASD.
Resume Writing Made Easy Checklist
Writing a resume is one of the most intimidating parts of finding a job. To create a resume that is “informative, attractive, and easy to read,” take a look at the tips provided by Vaughn University.If you’re struggling with how to start, a template can be a lifesaver. Instead of spending hours trying to design and format the perfect resume, a template comes readymade. You’ll be able to plug your experience and skills into a format that will grab a potential employer’s attention. Use this quick checklist to get started.
Decide what format works best for you. What font do you want to use? What format will work best for displaying your experience? What information should you be sure to include? Hubspot.com provides an informative infographic on resume formatting that will help you pick the right template for you.
Spend a little time researching the options to find a template that looks great and fulfills all your needs Don’t set it and forget it. Make changes based on the opportunity. Your resume shouldn’t be set in stone.
Once you have everything arranged on your template, don’t be afraid to make changes based on the job for which you’re applying. BusinessInsider.com recommends that you “mirror” a business’s “language and values in your resume.”
Dream Job Q&A
Being properly prepared can give a huge boost to your chances of landing a great position. Take a look at the Q&A below so that you can better manage any challenges you might meet along the way:
Take Advantage of College Financial Assistance
Certain scholarships are available for people with ASD. If you’re preparing to continue your education, consider applying for the funds below:
- American Association on Health and Disability Scholarship Program
- Autism Delaware’s Daniel and Lois Gray Memorial Scholarship
- Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship for Autism
- Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. 2014 Disability Scholarship Program and Application
- “Business Plan” Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Eden Services Charles H. Hoens, Jr., Scholars Program
- Foundation for Science and Disability’s Science Graduate Student Grant Fund
- Insight Education Scholarship
- KFM’s Spring 2015 Autism Scholarship
- Ohio Department of Education’s Autism Scholarship Program
- Organization for Autism Research Scholarship Program
- Rise Scholarship Foundation, Inc.
- University of California, Berkeley’s Scholarships & Awards for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- University of Michigan’s Brian & Patricia Kelly Postsecondary Scholarship Fund
- University of Texas at Austin’s Will Rogers Memorial Scholarship
- University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Ethelmae S. Merriam Academic Scholarship
Get Help to Get Hired
Nonprofits, government agencies, and private businesses exist to help people with autism find work and acclimate to their new careers. If you need assistance as you enter the workplace, these organizations can help: Autism Now – In its “On the Job” section, this organization provides access to many resources to help you begin your career:
- Employment Options
- Employment Research and Reports
- Planning for Employment
- Supported Employment
- The Employment Service System
- Transition Planning for Job Opportunities
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Specialisterne – This organization “works to enable jobs for high functioning people with autism.”
- Offices of Disability Employment Policy – The Department of Labor provides this handy list of each state’s Disability Employment office’s contact info.
- U.S. Vocational Rehabilitation Offices – Access your state’s Department of Education and its Vocational Rehabilitation office via this searchable database.
Search for Open Positions
Now it’s time to start your search. Use these resources to find open positions in your desired area and field: These sites list many opportunities in a wide variety of careers and locations:
- Monster.com
- Indeed.com
- Glassdoor.com
- CareerBuilder.com
- AbilityJobs.com – This site is tailored specifically for people with disabilities.
- USAJobs.com – The U.S. government is actively seeking to hire people with disabilities. Find open positions within the Federal government.
- DisabilityJobExchange – This site connects employers with job seekers. It also provides helpful resources.
- ChronicleVitae.com – If you’re seeking a position in higher education, search the openings provided by this organization.