Scary Autism Unemployment Statistic
Yo. Mick here. I'm the handsome canine in the backseat.
Mum went to an autism conference this past week as her school site representative and one night as a family member. Both lectures were sponsored by SELPA and both had the same presenter, Barbara Bloomfield.
Mum says Barbra Bloomfield is an excellent speaker and would go to see her again and recommends her to others. Barbara has some really helpful suggestions and ideas. There was however one tiny statistic that has Mum really upset.
“The unemployment rate for people with autism is 75% – 97% with the people on the higher end of ASD being the most unemployed”.
Oh my! That's my boy they're lumping into those numbers!
More bad news, of those employed, people with autism are the most under employed as a group. Meaning they earn and work in jobs far below their job skill levels.
I shudder and shake worse than a case of fleas over the terrors of our kids with autism.
I am horrified by the possibility my boy will become an unemployment statistic or find work that doesn’t showcase his abilities.
But I know Mum and she wont let that happen!
So here’s Mum to tell us some more about autism and unemployment based on what she learned. I'm gonna hang in the backseat for this one.
Hey all. Mum Irene here.
What do you think are the employment breaking issues employers give about employees with autism?
• The ability to work independently
• Social Communication
• Planning and organizing skills
• Daily living skills – particularly in the areas of hygiene, grooming, and dress
(The bullets taken directly from the notes of Barbara Bloomfield)
Bloomfield asks the question, “When do we begin to teach to these issues”?
The answer is of course, As soon as possible! ASAP! NOW!
I know!
You feel like another huge burden has just been dropped on your already rocky plate.
I know that feeling very well myself. Take a breath and let’s look at the new scary mess that’s just landed. Plop. Breath out!
Take another breath in - - - - - and out.
Now breath normal (grin).
Absolutely none of these issues are new – they’re already on our plates, they’ve just surfaced to the top as a new way to consider the importance of why we do what we do.
Are you breathing again?
Consider these issues to help focus your efforts on a clear outcome (that being your son or daughter gainfully employed in work that uses their highest skills and has meaning for them).
OK. That’s all well and good but am I doing what I can for my child? Is what I’m doing effective?
I’m sure you are doing what you can and we’ll review some of these things in the next several postings.
As you have learned by now, autism in the family requires a lot of blind faith. Hold your faith and you and your child will be just fine. Know this too.
You are capable.
We know what our children need (their strengths and deficiencies) and we know their learning styles and motivators – this information is a huge plus.
You are the expert of your child; as Dr. Attwood has said in lecture, “You have a PhD in your son or daughter”. (if you don't know Dr. Attwood he's awesome with asperger and high-functioning autism people)
Embrace your expertise and faith; these will serve you and your family well with the autism experience. Keep your sights on the goal, focus on the joyous aspects of autism and the rewards along the journey.
