Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Workplace

Employment, for disabled and non-disabled individuals, can provide a crucial link to economic security and independence, as well as alleviating social isolation. Unlike the education setting where there has been considerable focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (“ASD”), integrating autistic individuals into the workplace has received far less attention. This chapter will begin by discussing some common workplace issues that arise with individuals with ASD that may make some workplaces challenging (for example, issues relating to social skills) and will then discuss cases that have arisen under the Americans With Disabilities Act, with a particular focus on the requirement that employers make a good faith effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. The final section will explore recent company initiatives targeting individuals on the autism spectrum for employment, and how those initiatives may illustrate ways employers can best integrate autistic workers into their workplaces.