It is believed that one percent of the global population has autism, making the total number of persons affected by ASD in the United States over 3.5 million. Adults on the autism spectrum have a staggeringly high unemployment rate (85%). In addition, it's projected that $137 billion is spent annually in the US due to autism.
Contributions to the welfare of the community
Costs associated with unemployment would be reduced, the skills gap would be diminished, and the economy as a whole would gain. Those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are not employed and cannot sustain themselves do so with the help of their families, state and federal governments, and non-profit organizations. Furthermore, there can be significant economic gains from increasing the employment of persons with ASD. Persons on the autism spectrum who are gainfully employed and have disposable income can have a positive economic impact. If only 1% more people with disabilities were able to enter the workforce in the United States, Accenture (2018) believes that the country's GDP would grow by $25 billion. People with disabilities make up the United States' third biggest consumer group, according to the country's Office of Disability Employment Policy. There is an estimated $21 billion in discretionary income among adults of working age who are disabled. Companies' existing worker shortages and society's anticipated skills shortfalls may be mitigated, at least in part, by hiring people on the autistic spectrum.
Finally, employment opportunities for people with autism have the potential to facilitate their full participation in all aspects of business and societal life.
Organizational Benefits
When businesses hire people with ASD, they gain access to a talented workforce with valuable knowledge, skills, and abilities; they also benefit from the increased intellectual capital associated with a more diverse workforce, and the boost to the company's reputation and social capital comes from embracing diversity. Compared to their neurotypical counterparts, workers with ASD have been reported to be more dependable, less absent, and more punctual.
Managers see ordinary or above-average work performance from individuals with ASD. According to research by Jacob et al. (2015), neurodiverse workers can achieve great professional success while working for an organization that values and respects their unique strengths and perspectives. These workers were also shown to be more loyal to their employers, dedicated to their work, and productive overall. Improved productivity, increased shareholder value, a higher number of inventions, a larger market share, access to a broader supplier ecosystem, and better community connections are all benefits that can accrue from implementing an inclusion program. Accenture discovered in their 2018 study that businesses that actively promoted the inclusion of people with disabilities had greater stock returns and a lower failure rate.
Individual benefits
A person's sense of identity, pride, and value may change due to the positive effects of gainful employment and financial independence. Some societies stigmatize those who do not work outside the house for financial support, leading to low self-esteem in those who do not fit that mold. Meaningful job has been shown to improve quality of life, decrease sadness, and lessen suicidal ideation in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The social advantages of employment are often overlooked. Friendships and "work families" formed among employees may be very close and supportive, professionally and personally. According to studies, nearly 30% of workers meet their future spouse/significant other in their place of employment. Some unemployed people on the autistic spectrum may find relief from their feelings of isolation and loneliness through these kinds of socioemotional advantages. Family members and caregivers often get rewards when autistic people find gainful employment.
In conclusion, future studies must investigate how work might help reduce the prejudice and stigma that people with ASD face. Business organizations, it is anticipated, would try to design environments where people with autism spectrum disorder may thrive in the workplace. Because of this, workplace equality may be guaranteed, and a fairer society may be built. Possible resources for employment of autistics in Texas can be found here: https://www.autismresearchtexas.org/employment.