Preparing Employers and Employees with Autism Spectrum Disorders for 21st-Century Jobs.

The global workplace has become increasingly diverse and inclusive. Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have social communication impairments that may prevent them from finding fulfilling employment. Simultaneously, students with ASD have unique attributes that employers could find attractive and beneficial in achieving corporate goals. Schools have an opportunity to prepare students with ASD to be career ready. A course of study that includes explicit teaching about workplace behaviors, social communication skills, and other career skills has helped prepare students for their careers. A survey conducted by a college in the northeastern United States has examined a program, known as the Employment Readiness Experience (ERE), which has proven to help students develop the skills they need to use their unique abilities to become contributing members of society. The ERE program includes direct instruction, cooperative learning, computer-based skills development, and part-time employment with specifically chosen employers to develop students' career preparedness. Completing a program like the ERE can provide employers with workers who are ready to become strong contributors and embrace the diversity in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]