IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation. Winter 2015 • Volume 2, Issue 1
Individuals with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome Make Loyal Employees They are conscientious and honest, bright and quick to learn the job demands, and skilled at focusing on details that others find tedious. They don’t waste time with a lot of needless socializing and gossip. Seem like the dream employee? Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome can be excellent employees, yet the jobless rate among adults with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome is 75-85%; that doesn’t include the number who are underemployed in part-time, low-wage positions for those with aboveaverage intelligence. Entering the job market is never easy, but for a young adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, it can be much more intimidating – and far less successful. People with Asperger’s Syndrome or high-functioning autism can experience anxiety, overactive sensory systems, and difficulty with social relationships and changing routines. With the right supports and people who understand their needs, however, they can truly shine because they have their own strengths as well. Lost productivity experienced with employees who do not have an autism disorder is a major concern and cost to employers. According to a www.salary.com survey, workers admitted to spending 2.09 hours of each (8-hour) day “surfing the Internet, socializing with co-workers, conducting personal business, spacing out, running errands off-premises, making personal phone calls, applying for other jobs, and planning personal events.”* And that doesn’t include lunch hours and breaks! Further, “SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, estimated that it costs $3,500 to replace one $8.00 per hour employee; for salaried employees, the costs jump significantly. Honesty and loyalty are trademarks of the employee with Asperger’s Syndrome, and individuals with Asperger’s are known to be wary of change. Provide them with a stable, predictable work environment and they will be long-term employees.”** If you are an employer and have been looking for workers who will be loyal, hard-working, and honest, maybe you’ve been looking in the wrong place! Contact IGNITE Director Stacy Hultgren at shultgren@autismsociety-nc.org if you would like to learn more about individuals with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. * ** Is it Time for Asperger’s in the Workplace? Grace Austin; Sept/Oct 2014 http://www.diversityjournal.com/9929-is-it-time-for-aspergers-in-the-workplace/
IGNITE is a unique ‘peer-to-peer’ community center for young adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) offering activities, skills training, and educational workshops that foster social, financial, educational, and employment independence for its members. More importantly, IGNITE offers a social environment where members can connect with others and experience a sense of community. For more information: Stacy Hultgren, IGNITE Director 704-897-8982 shultgren@autismsociety-nc.org www.ignite-davidson.org www.autismsociety-nc.org You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Autism Society of North Carolina: IGNITE • 209 Delburg St., Suite 134 Davidson, NC 28036