Peter, Evan and Brian work at a small technology firm based by the beach in Santa Monica, testing software and fixing bugs.

On first inspection it seems like any other Los Angeles-based company, with tasteful art on the white walls and calm-inducing diffusers dotted about.

Peter describes the working atmosphere as “quiet, but fun”, and especially likes the fact that there is no pressure to socialise, while Evan says of his employers that they are “very accommodating and understanding”. Brian describes his office as “unique”.

Auticon is one of only a handful of companies that cater exclusively for employees who are on the autistic spectrum.

Formerly known as MindSpark before being acquired by German-based Auticon, the firm was founded by Gray Benoist who, as the father of two autistic sons, saw few options in the workplace that could cater for their needs.

“Both are incredibly capable and smart and deserve an opportunity to be able to express that,” he told the BBC on a recent visit to the company.

Read the full report here

 

 

In this video Tony and Zach share their knowledge about the skills you’ll need for a job interview. They discuss important aspects of personal presentation, responding appropriately to open-ended questions, planning your journey to the interview location, and most importantly, practicing the interview scenario. Tony also shares insights about interpreting body language and language cues to help you make a positive impression.

_________________________________________________________
EPIC Assist has joined forces with Asperger’s Syndrome expert Professor Tony Attwood to develop a three-part series about employment on the Autism Spectrum. The video series also features EPIC’s own Zach Zaborny, who brings his lived experience of Asperger’s Syndrome to the discussion. The videos are beneficial not only for those on the Autism Spectrum, but also people wishing to increase their awareness and confidence around disability.

More below

 

This video is a compilation of dozens of comment about your perfect job fit.
It just goes to show that the perfect fit isn’t so much about the job itself, or the field of employment, so much as the specific environment and finding a supportive employer.

Seven years ago, a woman started a company so her son with autism could work for himself — now, she employs more than 20 young adults on the autism spectrum.

When Stella Spanakos’ husband died suddenly in 2010, she was left as the sole parent for their child Nicholas, who has autism.

“We always talked about our son’s future. It was very uncertain,” Spanakos said.

Spanakos sold her husband’s business in the Garment District of Manhattan and piloted a screen printing business in 2011.

She thought it was a job Nicholas could do. It started in a barn behind her house in Plandome Manor.

Now Spectrum Designs does more than $2 million in annual sales, works out of a 7,400-square foot facility in Port Washington and employs 21 young adults with autism — the majority of its workforce.

“If I could give every person with a disability a job. I would,” Spanakos said.

The company does custom screen printing, embroidery and digital printing for businesses locally and all over the country. Several supervisors monitor the employees.

Read the full story here