AUTISM EMPLOYMENT NETWORK

The Autism Employment Network exists to provide sustainable workplace opportunities, and facilitate true community integration for individuals with autism. The AEN has three core beliefs: Autism is non-linear, dynamic, and unique to the individual. Individuals with autism are not intrinsically less than anyone else. We are one community. Acceptance and inclusion open the doors to empowerment and independence.

Our History
In 2018 our we began working together to establish a pathway for individuals on the autism spectrum to gain independence and inclusion in society through sustainable employment opportunities. We believed there were two critical components needed: direct work experience and evaluation for autistic individuals seeking employment, and an employer training and certification process.

Work Experience Focus
In 2019 we began a pilot program at with a tech-enabled baseball company (Diamond Kinetics) to employ a handful of individuals to assemble and package a small amount of baseballs for distribution. The pilot program went so well that by the summer of 2020 we became the exclusive assembly and packaging partner of DK and now handle all of their needs in this area. This program employs 10 individuals on a regular basis.

SpectroDolce
In late 2019 we purchased a small retail chocolate and ice cream shop in Monroeville and turned that into SpectroDolce Confectionery. SpectroDolce now has expanded to a second location in Greensburg at the Westmoreland Mall, and has an online e-commerce store with shipping available around the world. SpectroDolce now employs 10 people across two locations and serves as a very public display of our autism employment initiatives. Our model at SpectroDolce is "Job Coach Plus", meaning we always have a job coach on duty to assist the 1-2 autistic staff with managing the customer interactions and meeting the customer's needs. We strive to have all employees become proficient at all areas of the shop and look for transferable skills to jobs outside of our shops.

In late 2021 we purchased the fudge manufacturing plant to expand our e-commerce and wholesale distribution capabilities for both our SpectroDolce shops and retail placements in grocery stores, restaurants, and more. This provided additional back-of-house positions for those who have difficulty with social situations which can be a barrier. In late 2022 we were able to assist a neurodivergent family to take over the fudge business accomplishing one of our goals of empowering families and individuals through self-employment endeavors.

Autism Coaching Centers
The Coaching Center model is critical for so many that fall through the cracks of the existing programs. A national study found that only 25% of individuals report a positive experience with VR services. It will take an innovative approach to solve these big employment challenges, something most established programs are incapable of, or unwilling to embrace. We've created Coaching Centers built on the principles of executive level coaching techniques, and constructed to provide community interaction, direct work experiences, and access to coaching and therapy.

We also know from experience that focusing on just employment without addressing the other needs, including social and mental health, rarely produces positive outcomes and that's why we're committed to a holistic approach to helping someone pursue their dreams and goals. We focus on person-centered therapy techniques and tailor the experience to the individual's needs.

Employer-Focused Objective
We have developed a training program for employers that is designed to remove the stigma of autism, and create true understanding of how to incorporate individuals on the spectrum into the workforce. We have a number of employers who have gone through the training and hired from our network including:
manufacturers,
food service,
tech companies,
universities, and
municipalities.
We see this training/certification + matching based on interest, skill, and ability approach as the missing link to true workplace integration for individuals with disabilities.

The spectrum is broad, and so are the individuals we work with. From high school students just starting out to individuals with advanced degrees looking for the right employer and position. It takes a dedicated and trained team, and a holistic approach to create pathways to independence, and our goal is not to just have one or two Coaching Centers in the Southwestern PA area, but to see one in every city across the country, we're just getting started here.

Testimonials

"This program is wonderful! My son learned so much." - Parent of a participant
"Don't hesitate, participate! I valuable workplace skills provided to my child!" -Parent of participant
"My son came home excited to talk about his day. He enjoyed the various topics and job site visits." -Parent of participant
"I was able to buy my own car with the help of AEN!" -Participant