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 people with autism who are ready to begin a job search or 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 individuals with autism:
- 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 that provide autism-related career resources or support.
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
Behavioral Strategies to Treat Anxiety in Individuals with ASD
Lauren Moskowitz, Ph.D. discusses positive behavioral strategies for supporting individuals with autism who also experience anxiety. Handouts are online HERE About the speaker:
Lifestyle issues play role in shorter life expectancy
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a shorter life expectancy than people in the general population, and a new study suggests that lifestyle issues play a large role in shortening
Maximizing Neurodiversity: Education & Jobs
Scientist and psychiatrist Lawrence Fung, MD, Ph.D., discusses what neurodiversity is and how increased awareness and support benefits not only neurodiverse individuals but the global population as a whole. He outlines the Strengths-Based Model
Challenging behaviors in adults with autism
Challenging behaviors such as aggression, destructiveness, and self-injury take a tremendous toll on adults with autism and their caregivers. Each week, the Autism Research Institute receives desperate communications from caregivers seeking
Family-Centered Planning and ASD
Research demonstrates the effectiveness of Family-Centered Transition Planning in increasing student and parent expectations for adult life, student career decision-making, and student participation in employment and post-secondary education. Learn