The Heldrich Center is working with the New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (NJ COSAC) to help adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) better prepare to enter and thrive in the work world. The guide will provide useful and clear information about the New Jersey labor market and where jobs are expected to grow; provide information about New Jersey-based resources available to help job seekers look for work that best suits their strengths, aspirations, and needs; and what public and private benefits and resources are available to help maintain employment. The guide will also provide useful information about individuals' civil rights to employment and accommodation in the workplace.

The Heldrich Center is also working with COSAC to conduct a symposium of New Jersey leaders in the disability and employment field to identify promising practices in moving people with ASDs to employment. The result will be a report that identifies effective practices and strategies, and provides recommendations on how to improve the employment prospects of ASD adults through the development of partnerships and more effective strategies and programs with businesses, public workforce agencies, and community-based providers.

(Funded by a grant from the New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community)