I recently heard about a non-profit company near New Albany, Ohio called Lettuce Work. They operate a commercial greenhouse geared toward employment opportunities and job training for young adults with autism.
This piqued my interest; what other companies are hiring adults with autism and how is it working out?
Not long ago, I read an interesting article about large companies like Microsoft and Chase hiring individuals with autism. IT and engineering have been the primary areas they are hiring for. “People with autism have that ability, often, to see problems and errors in a way that we don’t, and enjoy doing that again and again and again.”
Companies are finding great employees but aren’t necessarily able to retain them. “Only 58 percent of people with autism who finish high school ever end up holding a job for pay.”
Lettuce Work is focused on preparing the individual with autism for life in the working world. Are companies themselves properly preparing to retain these unique employees? Some employers are helping to set these employees up for success both in their jobs and independent living by providing supports such as job coaches, financial advice, or nutritional advice.
What stories do you have of a success or a miss in the working world? Why do you think it has lasted or did not?
Until next time,
Jim