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Resources for Accommodating Autism: Strategies, Tips, and Support
Creating an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with autism starts with access to the right resources. Whether you're a caregiver, educator, employer, or community member, having the tools and knowledge to provide meaningful accommodations can make a world of difference. This page offers a collection of resources designed to help you better understand how to accommodate autistic individuals. From understanding how to get the proper accommodations in the workplace to how to get support in higher education, these resources empower you to create spaces that support the unique strengths and needs of autistic adults.
Recent Articles
Navigating the Workplace: A Guide for Autistic Adults Seeking Accommodations
In 2017, the CDC released findings where they estimated that 2.21% of adults in the US were autistic. This data is imperfect. First, it’s from 2017. And, secondly, it’s mostly based on childhood diagnoses of autism. But, it gives us a number to start from, showing that adult autism is not absent from most workplaces.
Research also shows that people with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to be underemployed or unemployed than their neurotypical peers. That number may be as high as 85%. This can be due to burnout, inaccessibility, or not having appropriate support and accommodations at work.
Being autistic can make working difficult. Many jobs are incompatible with autism, like working at the customer service desk of a department store. There can be a lot of unpredictability, challenging social interactions, and stress.
Plus, stimming and fidgeting may not be easy to do at work. These coping mechanisms might draw negative attention and are sometimes seen as unprofessional. It is vital for us to be able to engage in these activities, because they can quickly and drastically improve our health and well-being.
But, often, workplaces don’t see the benefits of hiring and working to retain autistic individuals. They don’t know that we’re often more productive than our neurotypical counterparts—or that, many times, a combination of a severe lack of resources and some intolerance lead to us leaving for another position.
Thankfully, employees can take steps to get our needs met by seeking out reasonable accommodations.
Navigating Autism and College: Challenges and Support for Autistic Students
Transitioning to college is a significant life change for all students, but for autistic folks, this transition often presents additional challenges. College life, with its complex academic demands, new social interactions and often overwhelming environments, can be a difficult adjustment for autistic people.
Autistic students may face barriers not only in academics but also in navigating the social, emotional and environmental aspects of campus life. Understanding these challenges and implementing appropriate support is essential to ensure that students can thrive in higher education settings.
