In 2011, founder Ann Marie Sullivan saw first-hand that autistic individuals have the ability to work. After learning that 80-85% of individuals on the spectrum are unemployed and hearing the amazing stories of how having a job changed their lives, Ann Marie set out on a mission to change that… and Spectrum Works was conceived. The initial idea was to start a financially self-sustaining social enterprises to train and employ autistic individuals, with the first focus on screen printing roles.

 

The vision and mission quickly evolved after we co-located in Green Distribution, one of the largest screen-printing companies on the East Coast. We saw that a neuro-diverse workforce not only benefited autistic individuals, it also had a positive impact on the employees of Green Distribution.  With the help of the owner, Robert Butters, we formulated a new model to help companies build inclusive neuro-diverse workforces to help solve the unemployment crisis for autistic individuals.

 

Spectrum Works unique approach educates companies that individuals on the spectrum can be valuable productive workers, provides various programs to help companies build inclusive workforces, and implements programs to assist high schools and universities create job training programs for young autistic adults.  Our model helps autistic individuals live up to their potential for stable, successful, economically self-sufficient lives and, at the same time, helps companies create more neuro-diverse workforces.  Since 2013, over five hundred individuals have been through the program, and we are now in a position to take the model nationwide. 

 

We are motivated every day by our students and graduates - our story is their story. Our happiest moments are seeing their self-confidence improve, their skills increase, their friendships deepen, their acceptance into college, and when they ultimately become employed.