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E-Speaks eNewsletter

In this E-Speaks, we are celebrating National Disability Employment Month by highlighting autistic people who have found success in their careers. Each is exceptional but there is a common theme among them: they beat the odds to get to where they are today. According to estimates, up to 85% of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed. This is not due to lack of employable skills. As you will read in these stories, it is a result of old paradigms that overlook simple supports that autistic people need to thrive in the workplace.  

We also spotlight our Workplace Inclusion Now™ employment initiative which aims to increase employment opportunities and build workplaces where people with autism can thrive. As you will read, creating inclusive workplaces is not just the right thing to do, it is good for business. We know of which we speak – take it from John Taylor who has worked at Autism Speaks for 11 years. 

Lastly, and somewhat related, we are also celebrating Halloween – the day we get to dress up as whoever we want to be and get sweetly rewarded for it. We are dishing out our own version of tricks and treats to make the day a sensory-friendly experience for all.  

Chris Tidmarsh, Green Bridge Growers: Plowing a path to employment for other autistic adults 

Social skills-related issues led college graduate Chris Tidmarsh to leave a position related to his environmental studies degree. He then took matters into his own hands, literally, and started a farm to employ other autistic adults. It paid off. He now has a thriving aquaponic farming business, has helped 40 autistic youth and young adults in employment and speaks regularly on creating an entrepreneurial, inclusive workplace, including at one of our Autism Speaks Workplace Inclusion Now™ Pathways to Employment events. 

Q&A with William Andrew Rose, author of “Amazing Grace, Amazing Gifts: Autism and the Gifts God Granted Along Our Journey” 

When he was younger, William Andrew Rose had to apply to multiple fast-food chain locations before he was eventually hired at one. To struggle with his stutter, he learned to speak slowly, and was aided by a manager who created and laminated a script to use to speak with customers. Today, he is a member of the public speaking organization, Toastmasters International and a children’s book author who has written about the gifts of autism. 

Career Transitions: Amy Gravino Turned Her Passion Into Her Profession 

Amy Gravino’s first office job was her last. She had no on-site support or anyone to check in with or ask for help. After a series of miscommunications, her supervisors let her go. It was a blessing in disguise that helped her find her true calling as a prominent self-advocate, media personality and international speaker. She recently navigated a career transition during the height of the covid pandemic to add another title to her name -- relationship coach at Rutgers University. 

For more stories from autistic adults who have found career success, check out our Instagram feed. Watch Scott Rubin independently use public transportation and advocate for himself at work. Hear from Jon P. who just this year received his diagnosis and has advice for employers looking to embrace diversity and inclusion in their hiring practices.  

Workplace Inclusion Now™ (WIN): Bringing jobseekers and employers together to increase employment opportunities for autistic adults. 

We know that hiring autistic individuals and others with differences drives innovation, increases employee retention and positively impacts the bottom line. We also know many of these individuals face barriers to hiring. That is why we created WIN. Designed by an autistic led team, this evidence-based employment system aims to build inclusive workplace culture through a comprehensive suite of resources. We offer digital courses and autism-friendly training for employers, employees and jobseekers. Check out Lee Container’s experience with WIN through the lens of autistic employee, Joanna. If you are a jobseeker, sign up for our Navigating Your Differences in the Workplace course to get started on your path to employment.  

Tricks and treats to make Halloween safe and sensory-friendly 

Halloween can by scary for anyone. But spooky decorations, sounds and lights, scary-dressed people, and tight or scratchy costumes can be especially overwhelming for autistic kids. Read our tips on how to make the holiday fun for everyone. Start by using our All About Halloween teaching story that you can customize for your child. It also includes a badge that autistic children can wear to let candy-givers know that they may communicate differently than other trick-or-treaters. Find tips on how to make sights and sounds less challenging for your child, how to deal with costume dilemmas, and how to make the actual trick-or-treating process easier. For our non-verbal friends, we even have a trick or treating card you can print out and attach to their costume or treat bag.  

Local events and information

Employment accomplishments like these are made possible by supporters like you.

Autism Speaks | 1060 State Road 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540
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