The Future for Individuals with Autism

Can Individuals with Autism Attend the Same School as Their Peers?

Yes, they can go. For individuals with autism Inclusion education is a fundamental right. and when the necessary supports are provided, they can be educated in the same classroom as their peers. In this process, an IEP is prepared, exams and materials are adapted, and support education room or facilitator support is provided when necessary. However, in some cases, different educational environments may also be preferred according to the child's needs; this is not a loss of rights, but an arrangement that serves the best interests of the child.

Can they go to university?

Amerika’da yapılan bir çalışmaya göre otizmli gençlerin %35’i lise sonrası 6 yıl içinde bir üniversiteye devam ediyor, %55’i ise ücretli bir işte çalışmaktadır.

Danimarka’da zihin yetersizliği tanısı olmayan otizmli gençlerin %66’sı beklenen yaşta üst-ortaöğretime geçiş için yeterlilik kazanmaktadır.

According to Ministry of National Education data (2023), the number of students with special needs in universities is increasing, but a separate rate for autistic students is not disclosed. Nevertheless, many universities support autistic students with special support units.

Can They Work?

Birleşik Krallık’ta otizmli yetişkinlerin yalnızca %22–31’i istihdamda yer alıyor. Üniversite mezunu otizmli gençlerin mezuniyetten 15 ay sonra sadece %36’sı tam zamanlı iş bulabiliyor.

Amerika’da engelli bireyler arasında istihdam oranı %22,7’dir. Otizm grubunda ise işsizlik ve istihdam edilmeme oranları daha yüksek.

Otizmli çalışanların ücretleri, Birleşik Krallık verilerine göre diğer çalışanlardan %33,5 daha düşük.

According to İŞKUR's 2022 data, the fastest increase in the registered disabled workforce, following individuals with intellectual disabilities, is in autism. However, the employment rate of autistic individuals remains quite low.

Can They Live on Their Own?

The level of independent living for autistic individuals depends on early education, family support, and social arrangements. While some individuals can live alone or with friends, others require support in supported living homes or with their families.

The assisted living model, which is widespread in America and Europe, increases an individual's independence while also ensuring their safety. Although this model is not yet widespread in Turkey, protected home and supported living projects have been coming to the agenda in recent years.

Can they go to the military?

Military service status in Turkey is determined as a result of a medical examination and a medical board evaluation. The vast majority of individuals diagnosed with autism are exempted from military service by receiving a decision of “not fit for military service” as a result of this evaluation. However, the situation of each individual is evaluated separately in accordance with their own medical report, and the final decision is made by authorized military medical boards.

What are its strengths?

Autistic individuals can possess strengths such as detail-oriented work, following patterns and sequencing, being systematic, and careful decision-making. These skills can provide advantages in jobs such as data analysis, quality control, software testing, cybersecurity, accounting, archiving, design, laboratory work, logistics, and production lines.

However, the post-graduation employment rate for autistic individuals who are university graduates can be twice as low compared to other graduates. Therefore, having a diploma alone is not enough; job coach support in securing and maintaining employment, as well as reasonable accommodations that can be made in the workplace, are important.

What Helps?

• Business coaching and career-oriented programs: Research shows that these programs have positive effects on employment.
• Workplace accommodations: Structured interviews, written task lists, quiet spaces, flexible break times, and regular feedback increase employment sustainability.
• Individualization in education: Disability student units in universities, access to course materials, and exam accommodations increase the success of autistic students.
• Training for independent living: Teaching daily living skills (shopping, meal preparation, using public transportation) at an early age increases the likelihood of independent living.
• Social awareness: As the level of awareness about autism among employers, educators, and society increases, the participation of autistic individuals in the future grows stronger.

Sources

• Baldwin, S., & Costley, D. (2016). The strengths and abilities of autistic people in the workplace. Autism, 20(2), 133–141. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361315577516
• Dreier, J. W., Petersen, L., Christensen, J., & Parner, E. T. (2021). Educational attainment in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A population-based cohort study in Denmark. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(4), 1200–1210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04601-9
• Hedley, D., Cai, R., Uljarević, M., Wilmot, M., Spoor, J., Richdale, A., & Dissanayake, C. (2018). Transition to work: Perspectives from the autism spectrum. Autism, 22(5), 528–541. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361316687697
• Richards, J., Crane, L., & Buckland, H. (2024). The Buckland Review of Autism Employment. UK Government & National Autistic Society.
• Shattuck, P. T., Narendorf, S. C., Cooper, B., Sterzing, P. R., Wagner, M., & Taylor, J. L. (2012). Postsecondary education and employment among youth with an autism spectrum disorder. Pediatrics, 129(6), 1042–1049. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-2864
• Autism Speaks. Adult services and employment resources. https://www.autismspeaks.org
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2024). Persons with a disability: Labor force characteristics – 2024. https://www.bls.gov
• National Autistic Society. Support for autistic people at work. https://www.autism.org.uk
• National Autistic Society. Autism employment gap and statistics. https://www.autism.org.uk
• Office for National Statistics (ONS). (2021). Disability pay gaps in the UK: 2021. https://www.ons.gov.uk