Now Hiring: Unless you have Autism.

By Michael and Jordana Perman

The signs are as ubiquitous as coffee shops.

“Help Wanted”. “Now Hiring”! “Inquire about Opportunities!”

Restaurants, hotels, retailers and other service establishments limiting customers due to staffing shortages, offering sign-on bonuses for entry level jobs and daily news headlines screaming about the “The Great Resignation”, referring to people who left the workforce because they are very particular about the jobs they are willing to accept.

For many qualified adults on who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and are eager to work, this hiring phenomenon is a curious paradox. According to a recent article in Forbes regarding Autism in the Workplace, an estimated 50–75% of the 5.6 million autistic adults in the U.S. are unemployed or under-employed.

So with so many companies desperate to hire immediately, why can’t our 24 year old son LAND a job and the beginning of a career path?

Why? Because autism and neuro-diversity are often misunderstood by employers as part of their diversity, equity and inclusion programs. To date, most DEI programs focus on gender, fluidity, religion, self-expression, and race, which has been helpful and important.