Advocacy Group Boosts Autism Employment Prospects

Founded by National Council on Disability (NCD) appointee Ari Ne’eman, The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) was approached last May by several large American corporations who wanted to hire individuals with autism for internships and paid positions. These companies wanted to create diversity in the workplace and no doubt have been influenced by the rise in public awareness of the many assets individuals with autism bring to the table. ASAN
already had been frequently sent openings for jobs in government, non-profit, advocacy and public policy and is dedicated to promoting employment for all individuals on the autism spectrum.

ASAN’s Web site states:

"While Autistic adults from all backgrounds are invited to send their resumes, ASAN is especially but not exclusively interested in resumes from Autistic adults in the Washington, D.C. Metro area with college educations and/or backgrounds in information technology, computer science, biology, finance, economics, political science, marketing, and other professional fields. ASAN is considering various possibilities for enhancing employment opportunities for Autistic people who do not have a college education as well as for those working in non-professional fields. We hope to offer additional calls for resumes towards those ends later in the year."

ASAN holds these resumes on file and releases them to prospective employers upon request. They also maintain a private database of job seekers. This is a service and not an employment agency so individual job seekers are encouraged continue their job search after submission. Direct follow-up inquiries are discouraged.

The fact that ASAN is so actively engaged in ensuring employment for individuals with autism is very heartening. If you have a young son or daughter with autism, keep this information in mind for the future. By the time your child is of employable age, ASAN will likely have considerably expanded their job placement resources.

Adults currently seeking work can submit their resumes as attachments to resumes@autisticadvocacy.org with the expectation that your autism will be disclosed.

You should include contact information, educational and employment experience (including internships), volunteer experience, types and areas of work
you seek as well as any other information you wish made available to an employer.

Good luck!