Wisconsin Autism Empowerment

I keep hearing what seems like conflicting statistics.  First how employers can’t seem to find good, reliable staff.  Second about how our ASD adults are either unemployed or under-employed.  Is it just me or does it seem like these two provide a solution for each. 

One of the most frustrating things I hear from our ASD community is the stupid barriers to employment.  Especially professional level employment.  A motivated young adult goes to college, gets that degree and starts seeking employment in their chosen field.  But so often they don’t get hired.  Interview after interview and no job.  Many end up in unrelated under-employed positions. What a waste of talent.  What a missed opportunity for that employer.  How frustrating for that person who took all the traditional steps for career success.  

It seems a huge part of this is interviewing. Employers are hiring based on how well a candidate does the smoke and mirrors performance of the job interview.  Even when the performance skills shown have NOTHING to do with the skills needed for the actual job being filled.  So a technical position that requires specialized technical knowledge will go to whomever charms the interviewer not the one who is strongest in the actual job skills.  I have seen this again and again with people I know in the ASD community. 

There are a number of organizations trying to educate employers on the value of our ASD adults.  Efforts to change hiring practices so the interview isn’t such a barrier are being made.  But we’re not there yet.  We will get there out of statistical necessity. As the ASD population continues to become a larger percentage of our overall population employers will have to adjust. 

Meanwhile to all my ASD friends stay the course!  You are a gift to your future work team. You will be found.