Supported Employment

Contents

Introduction

Getting a job is an important milestone for most of us. For individuals with autism spectrum disorders, however, it is a milestone that is often not easily reached. Supported employment is an approach that can facilitate access to employment in typical work environments.

Characteristics of Supported Employment

Supported employment is defined as competitive employment in integrated settings with support. Key characteristics of supported employment include:

  • Paid employment – Individuals in supported employment are paid the same wages and benefits as other employees performing similar work. Individuals are paid directly by their employer.
  • Integrated work environment – Individuals in supported employment work in jobs in typical work environments alongside co-workers without disabilities. Individuals have the opportunity to participate fully in the activities of the workplace along with other co-workers.
  • Ongoing support – Individuals in supported employment may receive as much or as little support needed to successfully perform the job. Supports may be provided by a job coach or other employment professional or naturally by co-workers, supervisor and others typically in the workplace. Supports may be provided on the job or off site. They are customized to meet the needs of the individual as well as the employer.

Steps to Obtaining Supported Employment

For individuals with autism spectrum disorders, the process of obtaining supported employment includes two of key steps:

  • Individualized career planning or discovery – This is a process of exploration that helps to identify the individual’s dreams and goals, interest and preferences and skills as well as support needs.
  • Individualized job development – Job opportunities are identified that are consistent with the individual’s career plan. Job opportunities may be typical jobs identified by employers, or may be customized positions that are negotiated with employers to meet their needs and create a good match with an individual’s unique skill set.

Supports

Once an individual accepts a job a plan for supports should be developed that will meet both the needs of the individual and the employer. Because supports are individualized they can be customized to meet the unique social, communication and behavioral issues often faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Whenever possible the job coach or employment professional should work with the employer to use naturally existing supports in the work place. These supports may be supplemented by paid support from a job coach. In addition, the employment specialist may serve as a consultant to the employer, helping the employer to work directly with the individual.

Date posted: March 29, 2011. Content created by The Institute for Community Inclusion at University of Massachusetts Boston. Last updated: April 19, 2012.