Part 1 focused more on the unique skills of autistic adults and the challenges they may face in the workplace. Part 2 will discuss the benefits of hiring someone with autism and how working with a job coach aids both the individual and their employer.

One of the things I enjoy about being a job coach is seeing how a business environment, whether it be a restaurant, warehouse or office, is transformed when a worker with a special need or disability joins the team. It’s like adding that special ingredient to the soup. People see a different side to life and gain a new perspective. They see someone who thinks and acts differently and they enjoy having them around.

Very often there is a co-worker who comes forward to assist them. Job coaches refer to them as “natural supports.” One of the first things I do when I start a client on a new job is look for someone who can fill this role. It’s a beautiful thing to see this relationship form and know my client has support when I’m not there.

So often we hear about diversity in the workplace and businesses with diversity initiatives in place. But by diversity, so often they mean women in roles typically held by men, or people of color, or the person’s sexual orientation. We need to embrace people with various disabilities as also adding diversity to workplaces. Studies have shown that customers will shop or frequent restaurants and retailers who hire people with disabilities. Considering today’s environment and the struggle businesses have in hiring and retaining staff, companies need to look at this unique pool of workers to fill these jobs.

So, let’s say you’re a business owner or manager who wants to hire people with cognitive disabilities such as autism or other intellectual disabilities. How do you find these individuals and how do you find job coaches to work with them?

Every state has a vocational rehabilitation agency, a state department that assists families with special needs (including autism), and nonprofits that advocate for or assist families with special needs children. In South Carolina where I’m located, we have a state Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) that uses Medicaid funding to provide services, including residential and supportive employment. DDSN also funnels state and federal funds to nonprofit service providers for the same and additional services.

Another resource are national nonprofits such as The Autism Society, The Arc and Goodwill Industries which serve those with disabilities or special needs. Contact them and the state agencies to inquire about their services and possible job candidates they may have.

On a smaller scale are private businesses, including Engaged Employment, that provide specialized training and job coaching services. We can help businesses through in-services and training staff on how to work with workers that identify as on the autism spectrum. We can provide one-on-one coaching of staff in their jobs and how to work with adults with autism or other intellectual disabilities.

Many autistic adults are challenged in advocating for themselves. This can lead to a disconnect with their co-workers and supervisors. A job coach is a good, neutral “go-between” for management and worker.

For real, first-hand accounts from those who have worked with Engaged Employment, see these interviews.