Creating a Resilient Ecosystem for the Employment of Autistic Individuals: From Understanding to Action

Abstract

Inspired by a 2020 collective awakening to societal inequalities, we introduce a conceptual framework to address systemic issues around employment for one of society’s vulnerable populations—people with autism. We do so as advocates, researchers, practitioners, a family member for one author, and an autistic individual for one author. We first draw upon ecological systems theory to develop a portrait of the complex ecosystem of employment for autistic individuals that reveals multilevel and interconnected influencing elements. We then apply learning from systems and resilience thinking to deepen understanding about how positive change can occur in such an ecosystem. Overall, we propose new paradigms, questions, and actions toward transformative change for this and other systemic challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

The Efficacy of Disability Employment Service (DES) Providers Working with Autistic Clients

“…The current study utilised the Ecosystem model (Nicholas et al, 2018(Nicholas et al, , 2020. This model has been successfully applied in other countries (e.g., Canada) and conceptualises the factors required for the successful employment of autistic people (Klag et al, 2021). It posits that employment opportunities require a team effort from the individual jobseeker, their family, vocational support agencies, actual and potential employers plus co-workers, and the community (Nicholas et al, 2018(Nicholas et al, , 2020.…”