What's NEXT for Employment
Autistic Adults Want to Work
Everyone deserves the opportunity to work in an inclusive and supportive environment. Unfortunately, autistic adults have one of the lowest employment rates among adults with disabilities. The reality is that nearly 42% of young autistic adults have never had paid employment. And among neurodivergent adults currently working, a staggering 51% don’t feel supported at work and have quit or want to leave their jobs due to a lack of support from their managers.
Behind each one of these statistics are autistic adults who deserve our support to improve the state of neuroinclusive hiring and employment.
This Autism Acceptance Month, NEXT for AUTISM is focusing on the importance of neuroinclusive employment. Together, we can lay the path for what's NEXT for employment for autistic adults.
Below are five simple ways you can have an impact during Autism Acceptance Month and beyond. Thank you.
1. Share Employment Resources
Why is unemployment among autistic adults so high? A few key reasons include outdated hiring practices, lack of adequate training and mentorship for aspiring employees, and a lack of support and noninclusive work cultures.
There's also a misperception that making accommodations for neurodivergent employees is costly, when in fact, most accommodations cost zero! Embracing a neurodiverse workforce has significant benefits for a business. Data shows that teams with neurodivergent employees increase team productivity by 30%.
NEXT for AUTISM has created free resources and tools for job seekers, employees, and employers.
2. BE A MENTOR
Data shows that one of the most impactful ways to support job seekers and employees is through mentorship. This is the foundation of NEXT for AUTISM's NEXT CONNECTS bi-directional mentorship initiative. This unique program supports job seekers entering the workforce while fostering improved acceptance and inclusion within businesses.
Will you serve as a mentor? NEXT is currently recruiting for its next session and is looking for established professionals to serve as co-mentors for some amazing job seekers.
3. Share & Support Autistic-Led Businesses
You have a choice of where you buy your coffee, snacks, dog treats, clothing, merchandise, etc. Why not support the smart, hard-working autistic adults behind so many wonderful in-person and online businesses? And the businesses that are dedicated to neuroinclusion as part of their mission.
Here is a brief list of businesses and organizations - including the NEXT for AUTISM storefront thanks to Spectrum Designs. If you know of more that we should list, please email [email protected].
4. GIVING THAT MAKES SCENTS
5x the impact to kick-off Autism Acceptance Month!
For each Fine Fragrance sold on nestnewyork.com from April 2 (World Autism Awareness Day) - April 4, 2025, NEST New York will donate $5 to NEXT for AUTISM, an increase from $1.
Share the gift of fine fragrance, for yourself and your friends!
4. DONATE
A financial gift to NEXT will ensure the growth and success of our employment-driven initiatives for autistic adults.
All donations have an impact. Whether it's a one-time $25 gift (about the equivalent of your daily coffee run for a week) or a monthly recurring gift, know that your gift will create opportunities for autistic adults. When you do opt to be a monthly donor, you'll receive this special "I'm Part of What's NEXT for AUTISM" bag, created by our friends at Spectrum Designs, as our thank you.
