OSNS
LINK to SUCCESS

Autistic young people often face challenges related to unemployment and underemployment. Despite their abilities and motivation, securing skilled jobs can be difficult. Unfortunately due to conventional recruitment methods and workplace understanding, support for individuals on the autism spectrum remain inadequate.

Through the generous funding from the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, the OSNS LINK to SUCCESS Employer Toolkit was created with the goal of providing employers a better understanding and awareness of autism and the benefits of of neurodiversity employment programs.

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With Adora Wong’s valued consultation, research and perspective from someone who is autistic, we hope this guideline creates a mutually beneficial relationship between employers and autistic employees by building an understanding of each other’s strengths and workplace requirements.

I am excited to our “OSNS Link to Success: Employing Autistic Youth” written and video toolkit to support local employers who are interested in learning more about inclusion and supporting autistic individuals entering the workforce."

We invite you to read through the content and to schedule an informational workshop session with us for further information.

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that impacts all parts of a person’s life. It is a developmental disability that affects how a person experiences the world around them. Autism is also a spectrum condition that affects people in different ways; there is no one presentation of autism. As the saying goes, if you’ve met one person with autism, then you’ve met one person with autism!

Common autistic traits include differences in thinking, differences in communication, differences in processing senses, differences in moving, and differences in socialization. Autistic people may need support with daily living in a neurotypical world that is not designed to meet their needs. Autistic people can have diverse challenges related to executive function, sensory processing, repetitive behaviours, motor skills, communication, and information processing.

Autistic people are an important part of the world and exist in every community. Autism is normal and lifelong; it is not curable nor in need of a cure. Due to myths about autism, it can be difficult for autistic adults, autistic girls and women, and autistic people of colour to receive a diagnosis. Anyone can be autistic regardless of race, gender, or age.