Dear Dr. Samuel,
We are writing in response to your recently published article, “As Remote Work Becomes the Norm, Vast New Possibilities Open for Autistic People.” As the mother of a son with autism and a technology researcher, you offer valuable insight into how employees on the autism spectrum may thrive in a post-Covid world. You begin by sharing, “I’ve long worried about how my autistic son will fare when he enters the workforce.” This sentiment is common amongst parents of teens and young adults with autism; they worry about how their children will be able to live independently, access appropriate social opportunities, and fill their days with meaningful work once they leave school. However, your perspective is unique; you bring to the table professional knowledge on the interaction between neurodiversity and technology.
Through these overlapping lenses, you are able to offer both keen observations regarding ways in which Covid-related remote work arrangements benefit neurodivergent employees, as well as suggestions for creating workplaces in the near future where neurodivergent and neurotypical people have choices about where and how they work best.
At the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), we have long recognized the need to support parents and individuals on the autism spectrum as they travel the path towards adulthood. For readers who are interested in more information regarding preparing for employment, we offer an array of articles and reviews, including:
- Preparing Adults with Autism for Employment Success
- Preparation for Employment
- Competitive Employment for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders
In addition, we also have a list of Lifespan Resources, developed in response to the current shortage of high quality resources readily available to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families as they enter adulthood.
Thank you for sharing your insight and perspective, as you both live the Covid-19 pandemic as a mother and study its impact on the workplace as a researcher. We look forward to the changing landscape of employment options for individuals with autism, and will continue to bring our readers the most up-to-date and scientifically sound information to support all individuals with autism in reaching their employment goals.
Sincerely,
Adriane Miliotis, MA, BCBA, LBA
Dr Erin Leif, PhD, BCBA-D
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
