The Employee with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Employer Tool-Kit

The Employer Tool Kit includes companion resources to the employer video which is designed to briefly introduce the employee with ASD.  The employer (or others that view the movie) can then select additional resources from the Employer Toolkit in order to:

• Gain a broader understanding of ASD

• Identify strategies or accommodations to support the individual with ASD

• Be better prepared to support co-workers, supervisors or others that will be interacting with the employee with ASD

The Tool Kit is a group of web-based resources that can assist employers or potential employers of individuals with ASD, vocational specialist, job coaches or others that support individuals with ASD to obtain or maintain employment.

The Employer Tool Kit includes:

1. Autism Internet Modules (AIM)
   AIM is a free, on-line resource that provides a variety of modules written by experts from across the U.S. designed to promote understanding of and respect for persons with ASD. Modules that focus on aspects of employment include: Preparing Individuals for Employment, Employee with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Task Analysis, Social Supports for Transition Age Individuals, and Rules and Routines.
   http://www.autisminternetmodules.org/

2. OCALI Transition to Adulthood Guidelines: Employment Booklet
   This volume of the OCALI transition guidelines, includes information and considerations for those seeking employment or for those currently employed. Implications for the individual with ASD are highlighted as well as resources for improving career development and employment support. The goal of this volume is to help the user understand  the issues surrounding  successful employment for the individual with ASD and to highlight the supports and resources  that lead to and assist in maintaining meaningful employment.
   http://www.ocali.org/center/transitions

3. F. I. T. for Success: Five Important Targets for Success on the Job
   This short booklet developed by OCALI introduces the employer to the Five Important Targets (F.I.T.) for employment success for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Assuring these five critical areas have been addressed will improve the likelihood of a good overall job match with more successful and fulfilling employment outcomes.
   Download PDF

4. JobTIPS by Do2Learn
   JobTIPS is a free web based program designed to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other learning differences explore career interests, seek and obtain employment, and successfully maintain employment. JobTIPS addresses the social and behavioral differences that might make identifying, obtaining, and keeping a job more difficult for you. Though JobTIPS is designed for direct use by individuals with learning differences, this program (including all of the printables, assessments, and videos) is highly suitable for delivery by educators , family members, clinicians, mentors, and job coaches
   http://www.do2learn.com/JobTIPS/index.html

5. Adult Autism And Employment: A Guide For Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals by Scott Standifer, Ph.D.
   This is a guide for vocational rehabilitation professionals, which includes a synthesis of existing literature and promising practices on autism and employment. Practical strategies are included in this guide. Teachers, paraprofessionals and parents may also find this information helpful in planning for the transition to adulthood and specifically for post-secondary employment.
   Read the PDF here

6. Supporting Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Quality Employment Practices by Alan Kurtz And Melanie Jordan
   This is an "Institute Brief" from the Institute for Community Inclusion in Boston, Massachusetts. The Brief contains a short overview of the types of accommodations that a person with ASD might need in the employment setting in order to be successful. Categories reviewed include: Communication, Sensory, Social, Organization, and support for the employment specialist. Strategies for job development are also included.
   http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=266

7. Employees with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Job Accommodations Network
   JAN's Accommodation and Compliance Series is designed to help employers determine effective accommodations and comply with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Each publication in the series addresses a specific medical condition and provides information about the condition, ADA information, accommodation ideas, and resources for additional information. This booklet is specific to Autism Spectrum Disorder.
   http://askjan.org/media/autism.htm

8. Working in the Community, A Guide for Employers of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Alpine Learning Group
   This manual was created by the Alpine Learning Group and is designed to provide a general overview of the characteristics of autism and general procedures to enhance the volunteer or job experiences of individuals with autism. The manual provides of a variety strategies and accommodations and includes a chapter that focuses on the use of Applied Behavior Analysis in the workplace.
   http://www.alpinelearninggroup.org/images/newsletter/upload/pdf/1478275632-Alpine_Employment_Manual.pdf

9. When Existing Jobs Don't Fit: A Guide to Job Creation by Colleen Condon, Lara Enein-Donovan, Marianne Gilmore and Melanie Jordan
   Successful job development for people with disabilities is about meeting the specific and often unique needs of each job seeker. Job creation is a way to modify or restructure existing jobs or bring together a combination of job tasks that fill the work needs of an employer while capitalizing on the skills and strengths of workers with significant disabilities.
   http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=126&type=topic&id=3

10. Vocational Rehabilitation And Autism Spectrum Disorders Project
    This web site focuses on issues and strategies for improving employment outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The project aims to generate new knowledge and provide information concerning what works in accessing and maintaining employment placements for people with autism.
    http://autism.sedl.org/

11. 6-Minute Brief CAPS (Comprehensive Autism Planning System)

    The Comprehensive Autism Planning System (CAPS) is a system that provides consistency of programming across time, personnel, and environments by allowing educational team members to combine effective strategies across the day as needed. The areas of focus in the CAPS include: Time, Activity, Targeted Skills to Teach, Structures/Modifications, Reinforcement, Sensory Strategies, Communication/Social Skills, Data Collection, Generalization Plan.

    The Six Minute Brief CAPS uses the same concept, but applies it to a specific community situation or environment. Areas of focus for the Six Minute Brief CAPS are modified and include:

    • Training or Support Needs for the Task or Activity

    • Reinforcement to be Included

    • Social and Communication Needs and Supports

    • Sensory/Biological Consideration

    • Environmental Modification or Support

    • Natural Supports

    Highlight important information and support ideas in each of the six categories of the Six Minute Brief CAPS. Once completed, others can use the brief to better understand how to support success by spending one minutes to review each of the six categories.

    Download several completed examples of the Six Minute Brief CAPS

    • Pia

    • George

    • Jennifer

    Download and print a blank six Minute Brief CAPS.