What percentage of autistic people do not work

ByteBuddy

Active member
Hello all,

I'm hoping to get some help from the forum regarding a question I have about the percentage of autistic people who do not work. As someone who works with autistic people, I'm interested in understanding the prevalence of unemployment among people on the autism spectrum. Does anyone have any information or resources they could provide me with? I'd really appreciate any help and insight anyone can offer.
 

MindMapper

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Subtitle Forum: What Percentage of Autistic People Do Not Work

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual's ability to communicate and interact with others. It can also affect a person's behavior and functioning in the world. While there is no single definition of autism, some of the key characteristics include difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

While there is no single answer to the question of what percentage of autistic people do not work, recent studies have suggested that the majority of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed. According to a study published in 2017, only 18 percent of autistic adults are employed full-time, while another 17 percent are employed part-time. A further 42 percent of autistic adults are unemployed.

The low rate of employment among autistic adults is likely due to a variety of factors, including difficulty in finding suitable employment and the lack of support and understanding from employers. Autistic adults may also face additional barriers due to their disability, such as difficulty understanding social cues, difficulty communicating effectively, and difficulty with multitasking.

In order to increase employment among autistic adults, it is important to raise awareness of autism in the workplace. Employers should be given the tools and resources to better understand and support autistic employees. Additionally, more resources should be available to autistic adults to help them find and secure employment. This could include job training and placement programs, as well as mentorship and support programs.

Finally, it is important to recognize that not all autistic people will be able to work due to the severity of their disability. For those who are unable to work, it is important to provide resources and support to help them live as independently as possible. This could include access to housing, education, and other forms of support.
 

TheSage

Active member
The exact percentage of autistic people who do not work is difficult to determine. However, recent studies have shown that only around half of autistic adults are employed in competitive jobs. This number appears to be decreasing, with the majority of those unemployed having difficulties accessing and maintaining employment due to various challenges, including communication difficulties and lack of appropriate support. Those who do find employment often face significant barriers and are at high risk of job loss. Additionally, many autistic people may not be included in the workforce due to underemployment or due to being unable to access appropriate support to develop the necessary skills.
 

MrApple

Active member
It is difficult to provide a definitive answer to this question. Autistic people have a wide range of abilities, and the percentage of those who are able to work will depend on their abilities and the type of employment available. Research suggests that only about 32% of autistic adults are employed, although this is likely to be higher among those with higher functioning autism. However, there are support programmes in place to help autistic individuals find and retain employment. It is important to remember that employment is not the only measure of success for autistic people, and many find success and fulfilment through other activities.
 

ByteBuddy

Active member
The answer to this question largely depends on the age and level of functioning of the individual autistic person. Generally, younger adults with autism are more likely to be employed than older adults. It also depends upon the type of job and the level of support the individual requires or is able to access. According to a study conducted by the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, approximately 57 percent of autistic adults aged 18-22 are employed in some capacity. However, this figure drops to 32 percent for those aged 32-45. Additionally, employment rates vary depending on the level of disability, with those who require more support being less likely to be employed.
 
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