autism feature research round-up rethinking autism in the workplace
Not-for-profit disability employment organisation EPIC Assist has joined forces with Danish company Specialisterne to find sustainable employment for people on the Autism Spectrum . employment struggles faced by people with disability . He has found a supportive employer in EPIC Assist and is thriving in his role , but it hasn ’ t always been smooth sailing to reach this point .
“ The number of people on the spectrum in Australia appears to be on the rise ,” said Specialisterne Australian chairman John Craven .
“ Whether this is an actual increase or just more people being diagnosed , we don ’ t know . What we do know is that people on the spectrum have a lot to offer to prospective employers and workplaces , and the fact that there are so few in employment is unacceptable .”
Zach Zaborny is a young man on the autism spectrum who understands firsthand the
“ Seeking work hasn ’ t always been easy . In the past I have struggled with support from employers and getting them to understand how I really like tasks and structure ,” said Zach .
Zach points to interviews and social interactions as two common areas where people on the spectrum typically struggle .
“ Someone on the spectrum might be perfectly qualified for a role but struggle in an interview setting . We have certain ideas about how someone should answer an interview question , and if they don ’ t answer in that manner , they don ’ t get the job .”
Mr Craven agrees that the key to change lies in education and changing age-old mindsets .
“ We need to develop workplace processes that harness the autistic attributes , not fight against them . We know people on the spectrum struggle to cope with standard hiring practices and are therefore unsuccessful in finding work . It ’ s a vicious cycle ,” said Mr Craven .
vitamin D in pregnancy may reduce autism
Pregnant women with low Vitamin D levels are more likely to have a child with autism , according to new research .
The University of Queensland study found that pregnant women with low Vitamin D levels at 20 weeks ’ gestation were more likely to have a child with autistic traits by the age of six .
“ This study provides further evidence that low vitamin D is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders ,” Professor John McGrath said . “ Just as taking folate in pregnancy has reduced the incidence of spina bifida , the result of this study suggests that prenatal Vitamin D supplements may reduce the incidence of autism .”
While it is widely known that Vitamin D is vital for maintaining healthy bones , there is now a solid body of evidence linking it to brain growth . Professor McGrath ’ s team has previously found a link between low Vitamin D in neonatal blood and an increased risk of schizophrenia .
28 autism feature linkonline . com . au