1st Edition
Autism Works A Guide to Successful Employment across the Entire Spectrum
Foreword Dame Stephanie Shirley
Introduction
Part 1: The Importance of Being Employed
1. The Paucity of Research
2. Transitioning from Education to Work
Part 2: Which Job – and Why?
3. Choosing a Job – An Overview (And a Demolition of the Stereotypes)
4. Unpaid Work – And Internships
5. Self-Employment
6. Matching Skills to Jobs
7. Public-Service Jobs
8. Other Job Openings
Part 3: Applying for a Job
9. Before the Interview
10. To Disclose or Not to Disclose – The Pros and Cons
11. The Interview
12. Advice to Employers
Part 4: Holding Down a Job
13. Research Findings
14. The ‘Hidden Curriculum’ of the Workplace
15. Sensory Issues
16. Executive Dysfunction
17. The Importance (And Dangers) of Literal Language in the Workplace
18. Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace
19. What Employers Should Know – Reasonable Adjustments in the Workplace
20. Examples of Good Practice by Employers
Part 5: Neurodiversity in the Workplace
21. Embracing Difference
22. Examples of Good Practice
Part 6: Gender in the Workplace – The Costs of Camouflage
23. What the Research Tells Us
24. The Implications for Employment
Part 7: Employment Schemes that Work in the UK
25. By Way of Introduction
26. Where to Go?
Biography
Adam Feinstein is an autism historian and researcher, and author of A History of Autism: Conversations with the Pioneers (Wiley-Blackwell 2010).
"There are an estimated 70 million autistic people on the planet, and among those adults, most are unemployed. Unemployment adds a sense of exclusion and failure, lower self-esteem, worse mental health and feeling not valued. Feinstein’s highly readable, well-researched, original book illustrates, through an inspiring array of diverse examples, how autism does not need to lead to unemployment. With a welcoming attitude on the part of employers, autistic adults can work well. When employers reduce barriers to employment and make reasonable adjustments, this can lead autistic adults to feel a sense of inclusion, autonomy, pride, and good mental health. For many, employment is the transformational silver bullet." - Simon Baron-Cohen, Cambridge University, UK
"Neurodiversity is all around us. But how are we accommodating to it in practice? Adam Feinstein provides a wealth of useful suggestions. His vivid case reports show just how enormously varied individuals with autism are, and how they fare at work. Readers will marvel at some truly inspiring role models. This book will be of immense value to employers as well as those seeking employment." - Uta Frith, University College London, UK
"This timely book on the important issue of employment in autism is a comprehensive account from theoretical justification to practical guidance for all stakeholders: autistic students, their educators and supporters, and future employers. Numerous real-life examples and case studies enliven the text and make this a fascinating and enlightening read." - Rita Jordan, University of Birmingham, UK
