The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 16.2 percent, compared with 9.2 percent for persons with no disability.

The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation (LDAF) believes that these rates of unemployment for persons with disabilities must change. In response, LDAF has launched a new service, LDAF Connects, to support adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

LDAF, known for its service to children and youth with autism, has long advocated for a continuum of services and programs that addresses the support needs of individuals with autism across their lifespan.

Autism is a complex neurological disorder that impairs an individual’s communication and ability to navigate social situations.

“LDAF is working to ensure a lifetime of opportunities for individuals with autism, and we are very excited to be able to explore services for adults,” said LDAF Executive Director Melissa Tice Martin.

“It has been known for decades that individuals with autism, including those with significant impairments or who have challenging behaviors, can work when they are provided appropriate supports. It is also clear that individuals with autism can benefit from employment in ways such as improved emotional state, greater self-esteem, and increased independence and financial status.”

LDAF board President John Willey says that tremendous state and community resources and time are spent ensuring that students with autism learn functional life and vocational skills, yet the current system of supports in Delaware is falling short of filling the needs of this growing population as they transition into adulthood.

“LDAF plans to help bridge the gap and keep individuals with autism employed and ensure that they have access to the types of support in the community that they need. It would be a mistake to assume that poor employment rates show that people with autism can’t work,” said Willey

“People with ASDs can work when they have the right job match and when individualized supports are built in. Each person with autism is unique, and by understanding each person’s characteristics, learning style, strengths and interests, we can help them to be successful in the workplace.”

The program encourages employers to consider hiring people with autism and helps agencies build bridges to employment for individuals with autism.

LDAF will work with employers, provider agencies and families to create the network of supports to make those connections a reality.

“LDAF is encouraging a shift in thinking,” says Karen Shaud, LDAF program committee member. “We want to start capitalizing on the abilities of people with autism and help employers see past the disability.”

Despite the challenges faced by people with autism, many can develop excellent skills in their ability to read patterns, follow routines and have a desire to get a job done right.

Workers with autism are known for attention to detail, eagerness to learn, commitment to the job and low absenteeism. LDAF’s project will seek to match an individual’s skill set to an appropriate job in the community.

“Like any hardworking person, people with autism can be dependable, productive and efficient when given the chance,” says Susan Berry, chairwoman of the LDAF program committee and a speech language pathologist at the Sussex Consortium. “People with autism can really be major contributors to employment positions, given a positive environment, appropriate training and support.”

The project is in its start-up phase, and the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation is seeking interested employers and adults with autism to participate.

For more information, contact Martin at 302-644-3410 or mmartin@ldaf.com