Job Training Volunteers for Adults with Autism

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We need volunteers! Austen's Autistic Adventures ("A3") is a social skills maintenance and improvement program for older teens (16+) and adults as well as a job training facility. Recent statistics reveal that some 85% of adults on the autism spectrum are unemployed. This is often because job placement programs do not understand the nuances of autism. Many programs believe that low-skilled, repetitive work is the only type of employment people autistic people can handle.

The intentions may be good but, as the statistics show, the results are dismal.

Autism is not an intelligence issue. Most people with autism have above average IQs. The problem lies in understanding social cues and social interaction. However, most job programs only offer repetitive, low skilled jobs, such as wiping off tables or putting labels on file folders. In these positions, the autistic person rapidly becomes bored, and their autistic behaviors escalate. As a result, they frequently lose even these unfulfilling jobs. Statistics reveal that some 85% of autistic adults are unemployed.

Our job skills program is designed to both challenge and interest our members. First, we have a thorough, six level certification process. EVERYONE in the program, whether they are nonverbal or college-enrolled, works in all areas of the store, from cleaning the bathrooms to counting the cash drawer each night. In addition to our retail skills program, our art program is another way for adults on the spectrum to find fulfillment through work. The majority of our students have attended art classes, taught by professional artists, for almost six years. Our retail space features a sunny gallery where their art is created, shown, and sold.

Your help will enable our organization to meet the needs of so many autistic adults who languish in bedrooms or in front of televisions. If you have a couple of hours a week, or even once a month to give, your time will truly change lives.