Employers and service providers should: (1) provide candidates with more knowledge of what to expect prior to the interview, and (2) modify or remove open-ended and hypothetical questions in the job interview process in favor of questions or skill demonstrations that more-directly evidence job skills, and (3) ask that interviewers provide more guidance and feedback during the interview process to enable interviewees to improve for the future.
Approximately 58% of young adults with autism have ever worked between high school and their early 20s (Roux, Shattuck, Rast, Rava, & Anderson, 2015). In addition, this group is disproportionately under-employed compared to their peers without such a diagnosis, and with those with other kinds of diagnoses, including individuals with other neurodiversity characteristics. This research is based on feedback from employers, Autistic job seekers, and service providers of Autistic individuals, where we gathered qualitative data in interviews on the barriers and facilitators of job acquisition and retention for Autistic individuals (Bruyere, Chang, Saleh & Vogus, 2020). There was a specific focus on improving Autistic individuals’ performance in the interview process and within the work environment (as well as gaining insights on how employers may alter their interview practices).
Who is this course for?
This program is designed for employers, leaders and managers that are looking to take a proactive approach in creating safe, healthy and inclusive workplaces for all.