Employment practices with people with autism spectrum disorder in the digital age

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a high-incidence condition affecting approximately one out of 68 of people. Adults with ASD are three to four times less likely to be employed than peers who do not have a disability. The high rate of unemployment of adults with ASD suggests a gap in employment development theory and practice knowledge addressing the specific needs of this population. This chapter provides new insights on theoretical framing of employment support interventions for people with ASD, including the interface between behavioral-gradient, structural-infrastructure, and psychosocial factors in vocational development with individuals with ASD. Practical implications of this chapter include taking into account level of functioning with ASD, structural-infrastructural supports, and the use of digital technologies in career counseling of people with neurodiversity.