Individuals with Autism and Employment
Individuals with autism bring various strengths, interests, and skills to the workforce. However, they face challenges in finding, maintaining, and securing jobs, which prevents the full realization of both individual and societal potential. The inclusion of individuals with autism in the workforce not only enhances their quality of life but also serves as a crucial step toward promoting workplace diversity and inclusion. Therefore, supporting the participation of individuals with autism in employment and removing obstacles is a responsibility shared by all of us.
To date, a total of 31 individuals with autism have been integrated into the workforce across 14 different businesses in sectors such as logistics, retail, finance, pharmaceuticals, and food.
1. What Are the Strengths of Individuals with Autism in the Workforce?
- They are detail-oriented, meticulous, and systematic.
- They perform the tasks they learn with great accuracy.
- They are particularly motivated and efficient in routine jobs.
- They make a strong effort to complete their tasks on time.
- They adhere to workplace rules.
- Their concentration and endurance levels are generally high.
- They demonstrate commitment and loyalty to their work.
2. What Are the Benefits of Employing Individuals with Autism for Businesses?
- Individuals with autism can demonstrate high levels of efficiency in routine and simple tasks in the workplace.
- Employing individuals with autism can reduce employee turnover rates.
- Providing employment opportunities for individuals with autism contributes to fulfilling social responsibilities and enhances brand communication.
- The strong attributes of individuals with autism bring significant contributions to the job and other employees.
- Hiring individuals with autism is important for meeting legal responsibilities.
- The employment of individuals with autism plays an effective role in combating discrimination.
3. What Are the Benefits of Employment for Individuals with Autism and Their Families?
- Individuals with autism gain self-confidence and experience personal development.
- The need for keeping them engaged, providing care, and offering education at home is reduced.
- Family members also have the opportunity to engage in work and production.
- Their social skills improve.
- They earn salaries that allow them to meet their monthly needs and sustain their livelihood.
4. What Are the Areas Where Individuals with Autism Need Support in the Workforce?
- They may face difficulties with interview skills.
- They may experience challenges in peer relationships.
- They may struggle with communication issues.
- They may have difficulties in unexpected situations.
- They may find it hard to balance quality and quantity in their work.
- They have sensory and emotional sensitivities.
5. How Can Individuals with Autism Be Supported in the Workplace?
Supporting individuals with autism in the workplace is crucial for enabling them to utilize their talents and potential effectively while fostering more inclusive and diverse work environments. For individuals with autism to succeed in their professional lives, it is important for employers, colleagues, and the workplace as a whole to adopt a supportive and understanding approach. This will enhance the success of both individuals with autism and the business as a whole. Some ways to support individuals with autism in the workplace include:
- Awareness and education
- Job coaching and mentorship
- Appropriate work environment and accommodations
- Open communication and feedback
- Utilization of technology and technological tools
- Social support and participation
- Legal regulations and policy support
6. What Is Supported Employment for Individuals with Autism?
Supported employment is a model designed to increase workforce participation and ensure workplace success for disadvantaged groups, including individuals with autism. This model provides tailored support and services based on the needs of individuals with autism, aiming to help them find jobs and succeed in their roles.
7. What Are the Benefits of Supported Employment?
The supported employment model enhances the workforce participation of individuals with autism, strengthens their independent living skills, and promotes their integration into society. For employers, it helps them embrace values of diversity and inclusion while improving employee satisfaction.
Supported employment is an effective model that enables individuals with autism to showcase their abilities and build sustainable careers.
TOV and Employment Initiatives
Before the establishment of the Tohum Autism Foundation Career Center for Individuals with Autism in March 2024, significant steps had already been taken to support the participation of individuals with autism in the workforce. Since 2005, our foundation has closely followed the supported employment model first implemented in 1986 under the Adult Life Skills Program of the Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI), which was founded in 1970. By acquiring this know-how, we have adapted and implemented developments in this field in Turkey.
In 2010, with funding from the Istanbul Development Agency, we launched the project “Enhancing the Productivity of Young People with Autism and Supporting Their Entry into the Labor Market” in collaboration with the Istanbul Directorate of National Education. Through this project, the first and only model vocational school for individuals with autism was established in Turkey. In 2013, for the first time in Turkey, a Work and Life Curriculum was developed and implemented for young individuals with autism. In 2014, an internship program was introduced for our students, leading to part-time employment opportunities through collaborations with nine different institutions. Since 2018, full-time employment projects and collaborations have continued to advance these efforts. All of these experiences laid the foundation for the establishment of the center and continue to shape its current activities.
Our Services
1. Expansion
Various initiatives are carried out to increase the presence of individuals with autism in the workforce. These include awareness campaigns, events, and informational activities designed to promote the strengths of individuals with autism within the business world. These efforts aim to improve the employability of individuals with autism across all segments of society.
2. Consulting
Specialized consulting services are provided to employers and employees to ensure the successful integration of individuals with autism into the workforce. These services cover the development of inclusive workplace policies, the structuring of recruitment processes for individuals with autism, and the management of workplace adaptation processes. Additionally, employers are guided on how to best leverage the strengths of individuals with autism.
3. Training
Comprehensive training programs are developed and offered for individuals with autism, job coaches, employers, and other employees in the workplace. These training sessions aim to increase workforce participation and ensure success in the workplace. The programs are tailored to the specific needs of individuals with autism and focus on effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability skills in the workplace.
4. Monitoring Current Academic Research and Best Practices
The latest academic research and best practices in the field of autism and employment are continuously monitored. These insights guide the center’s activities and contribute to the development of new strategies. Based on academic findings, innovative approaches are adopted to enhance the employability of individuals with autism.
5. Advocacy
Advocacy efforts are conducted to ensure equal opportunities for individuals with autism in the workforce. These include lobbying efforts and awareness campaigns aimed at improving legal regulations and increasing employers’ and society’s awareness of autism. Advocacy plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of individuals with autism and enhancing their overall quality of life within society.
Corporate Partnership Application
As the Tohum Autism Foundation, we carry out various projects to support the participation of individuals with autism in the workforce and to raise awareness on this issue. If you would like to receive support for employing individuals with autism in your business, organize awareness training sessions, or learn more about our initiatives, please feel free to contact us through istihdam@tohumotizm.org.tr.
Together, we can build a future where individuals with autism can unlock their potential and contribute to society as valued members.
