Education, employment and adults with autism
The Autism News | English
One-point-five million people in the United States have autism. Los Angeles County is expecting a dramatic increase in the number of adults with autism in the next five years. One local group is looking for ways to help these adults find housing, jobs, even careers.
Tom Iland just moved in with his girlfriend and passed the test to become a certified public accountant.
“Seeing things through, that’s what makes things happen,” said Tom.
His future looks bright. The only thing standing in his way: the preconceived notions people may have about him. Tom is an adult with autism.
“Like 80 percent of people with autism don’t have a job and that’s far higher as you know than the average unemployment rate,” said Emily Iland, president of the Autism Society of Los Angeles, and Tom’s mother.
The Autism Society of Los Angeles put together a forum for parents, teachers and employers. Together they’re finding way to help adults with autism get education and employment.
Steve Miller is the executive director of the Tierra del Sol Foundation, which trains people with disabilities and places them in jobs.
“People with disabilities including autism, can contribute to the workplace,” said Miller. “They bring value to the workplace.”
Miller often tells employers a diverse workforce can improve a company’s image and profitability.
But Tom knows for an adult with autism to get a job, not only do they have to be trained, they have work on overcoming social inabilities.
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