5 - (SYM 20) Discovering What Matters: Building Meaningful and Sustained Employment Outcomes for Autistic Adults by Engaging Across Systems

Achievement of meaningful and sustained employment remains one of the most substantial barriers to success and thriving among autistic adults (Pillay et al., 2022). Historically, work in this area has focused on addressing the most alarming headline statistic: autistic adults experience extremely high rates of unemployment and underemployment (Scott et al., 2018). However, as the field has evolved, an appreciation has emerged regarding the contours of the lived experience of autistic adults in employment – particularly those experiences that lead to sustained, meaningful success (Southley et al., 2024). Second, work has begun to identify the systems-level factors that must be engaged to produce such outcomes (Black et al. 2020).    

This presentation will first review recent research into employment experiences of autistic adults, which identified micro- and macro-level factors crucial to thriving in employment settings. Micro-level factors include work-related self-efficacy, skill development, genuine relationships with supervisors and co-workers, and individualized supports. Macro-level factors encompass inclusive employer practices and accepting workplace culture (Raymaker et al., 2020).  

Next, this presentation will demonstrate results from a program evaluation of a novel model for high-needs autistic young adults in low-resource environments, which engages multiple points of contact across employment systems to support success.  

Transition Pathways (TrP) partners with education systems, employers, and agencies to develop and implement a suite of innovative programming for autistic young adults to achieve meaningful and sustained employment. Core programming extends beyond skills training and employment placements to include system navigation and employer education. Within TrP programs, 100% of participants are connected with adult disability services and have opportunities for non-employment skills training, such as accessing public transportation. Since 2016, TrP has facilitated 499 job placements for autistic young adults (55% full-time placements, 68% retained after 1 year; average wage of $14.53/hour). Following completion, most participants endorse high levels of employment readiness (57%), self-confidence (68%), and self-advocacy skills (70%). The evaluation highlights the importance of effectively incorporating identified needs to foster success and offers insights into scalable strategies for the next generation of employment research and workplace inclusion.