The myths and the facts about autism and work

The integration of people with autism in the labour market is not an easy task, but it is an important factor for their inclusion. The right to non-discrimination in employment is enshrined in national legislation. The country... [ view full abstract ]

The integration of people with autism in the labour market is not an easy task, but it is an important factor for their inclusion. The right to non-discrimination in employment is enshrined in national legislation. The country also has specific active employment measures for people with disabilities. This presentation aims to discuss the developments on access and participation of people with autism in the labour market here. Firstly, the research attempts to understand features such as: i) role of the active employment measures and another public incentives; ii) the contribution of organizations of persons with autism and the public training centres; iii) the main barriers to the participation in the labour market; and iv) the role of people with autism and their families in the activation process. Secondly, the presentation also allows showing results about the integration of people with autism in companies. Results will be presented on: i) the access to a job; ii) the integration process; iii) the professional route; iv) the remuneration policy; and v) the satisfaction of employers and the satisfaction of workers with disabilities about their career. The research is based on quantitative and qualitative data. We compared data from a recent study (2012), with information gathered through interviews with key actors, organizations, and families. The results show that when there is a well-defined strategy and proper monitoring for each case, involving a key player within the company, the success is possible.

All data and information used follows the standard ethical procedures concerning anonymity, confidentiality regarding the interviewees’ id, the identification of data sources and the treatment of data. [ view full abstract ]

All data and information used follows the standard ethical procedures concerning anonymity, confidentiality regarding the interviewees’ id, the identification of data sources and the treatment of data.