Letter from the CEO: Back to School, Back to Building Futures: Why Career Pathways for Autistic Students Must Start Early

As another school year begins, students everywhere are making plans for the future, whether that’s choosing classes, exploring college options, or considering career paths. It’s a time filled with possibility and opportunity. But too often, autistic students are left out of these conversations, despite having the same hopes and dreams for their future.

The reality is stark. Only 15% of autistic adults are employed, meaning 85% of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed. That number isn’t just low, it is unacceptable. One reason is that too many young autistic adults enter their 20s without ever having held a paying job. By the time their peers are gaining work experience in high school or college, autistic students are often missing out on the same opportunities to build skills, confidence, and connections.

At Spectrum Works, we believe the solution is to start sooner. High school is the pivotal time to prepare students for the workforce. With real-world training and job experiences, autistic students can begin to explore what types of work they enjoy, learn the skills needed to succeed, and build a foundation for long-term independence.

Our holistic approach focuses on more than just training. We help students discover their career paths, understand their strengths, and identify the kinds of jobs they feel most passionate about. By giving them early exposure to the workplace, students gain valuable work experience that helps ensure the transition after graduation feels less daunting and much more achievable.

This back-to-school season, as parents and educators focus on preparing students for academic success, let’s also remember the importance of preparing autistic students for meaningful careers. Every student deserves the chance to see themselves in the workforce, to feel valued, and to start planning a future filled with opportunity.

At Spectrum Works, we are committed to making that future possible, one student, one job, one career pathway at a time.