Autistics at Work

Sandra Thom-Jones has tried all kinds of work—selling flowers, tending bar, office work, university leadership. Along the way she has made some mistakes, had some successes, and learnt a lot about the barriers and facilitators for autistic people building a career in a predominantly neurotypical work environment.
 
Thom-Jones shares her personal experiences and reflections as well as those of her colleagues, providing insights into the challenges and benefits of both being and working with an autistic employee, co-worker and employer. Autistics at Work is also informed by two decades of study into the autistic experience, and covers all aspects of the employment journey, from entering the workforce to senior leadership.
 
Autistics at Work is essential reading for autistic individuals who are in, or considering entering, the workforce. It is also an invaluable resource for managers, colleagues, employers and employment professionals. This accessible guide includes tools and activities, and each chapter concludes with practical advice for autistic employees and their non-autistic colleagues and employers.
 
We shouldn’t be asking what jobs are suitable for autistic people, but how can we make this job suitable for this autistic person?

About the Author

Professor Sandra Thom-Jones has undertaken numerous research projects in partnership with the autistic community on the experiences of autistic people, and the knowledge and attitudes towards autism in the broader community. Her research won the Autism CRC's 2019 and 2021 awards for research translation and the 2022 award for inclusive research. Thom-Jones worked in leadership roles in the university sector for over two decades, and is an honorary professor at the University of Wollongong. She works as an independent autism researcher and consultant.