How can we help people with autism get a job?
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The first thing is to identify the job role that the person wants to go into and work out the ins and outs of the job. It is wise to see which employers are disability confident before researching roles within the sector. After pinning down the sector and role, then research into the company can start. It is good to see if they are accommodating and if they have any mental health clauses in place. It is good, if not needed to also research news articles relating to them also. After that, practising good interview techniques is key and doing confidence related exercises also helps with the interview techniques and settling into a new job. Having a ‘buddy’ to help with this whole process is recommended and charities such as EI have neurodiversity resources available.
What jobs are good for high functioning autism?
Autism is a broad spectrum and many people with autism are good with many jobs. People with high functioning autism favour routine and working to a set schedule. These can be very good and rewarding jobs for higher functioning autistic people:
- Cybersecurity
- Researcher
- Engineer
- IT Helpdesk
- Accounting
- Copywriter
- Design related jobs
Some of the jobs that are listed here are behind the scenes related jobs so are good for those who prefer to work quietly.
Should I tell my employer I have autism?
It is crucial to tell an employer that you have autism either on your CV or when you get an interview. That means if they are disability confident, they have to give you an interview if you match the skills that they are hiring for. In interviews, you can arrange with the employer to make suitable adjustments for you such as going into a quiet room, having the questions set out in advance and having a drink of water beside you. If they don’t interview or give you the job sorely based on your disability that is discrimination and you should then alert your buddy about them.
