Identifying the Strengths of Autistic Individuals and Their Alignment with Job Market Needs: A study in the Indian Context

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is prevalent world over. There has been a paradigm change towards understanding the behavioral and cognitive strengths linked to autism. India’s job industry is fast changing to one of automation, and digitization; which require focus, precision and detail orientation which are strengths found in the individuals in the autistic spectrum.
Objective: Study addresses the gap in the Indian context of understanding the job market skills needed and align them with the strengths of autistic individuals. The purpose of the research is to identify the behavioral and intellectual assets of autistic individuals in India who are employment ready in the age gap of 18 to 30 and evaluate their correspondence with those appreciated by the employers.
Method: Questionnaires were distributed to therapy professionals and employers. Standardized tools such as DASS-21, VABS, Sensory Profiling and P-Vat to assess the emotional well-being, vocational capabilities, and adaptive comportment of young autistic individuals aged 18 to 30.
Results: Tailored Training & Support (T1), Communication and Social Skill Gaps (T2), Workplace Accommodation (T3), and Mutual Role Clarity & Integration (T4). T1 and  T2  were areas in which both young autistic adults and therapists agreed on the need for individualized preparation protocols and communication needs

Conclusion: The study reports that long term employment for autistic individuals necessitates a life-span oriented and interdisciplinary approach that ties advocacy, education, therapy and employment.