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Generation A and Autism in the Workplace

  • Amy E. Hurley-HansonEmail author
  • Cristina M. Giannantonio
  • Amy Jane Griffiths
Chapter
First Online:
Part of the Palgrave Explorations in Workplace Stigma book series (PAEWS)

Abstract

This chapter presents the individual, organizational, and societal issues surrounding autism in the workplace. The term Generation A is introduced to refer to the 1.5 million individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who will reach adulthood in the next decade. Studies of young adults with ASD have found that they have much higher rates of unemployment than the general population. Young adults with ASD may face many challenges as they enter the workplace, and potentially throughout their lives as their careers unfold. It is important to focus on employment for these individuals as it has the potential to result in more positive life outcomes for individuals with ASD, their families, and caregivers. Little is known about the employment and career outcomes that these individuals will experience. The issues associated with autism in the workplace underscore the importance of this topic for both academics and practitioners.

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Copyright information

© The Author(s) 2020

Authors and Affiliations

  • Amy E. Hurley-Hanson
    • 1
    Email author
  • Cristina M. Giannantonio
    • 1
  • Amy Jane Griffiths
    • 1
  1. 1.Chapman UniversityOrangeUSA

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