1. Autism in the Workplace Autism Speaks Family Services Presented by Beth Whitehouse December 14, 2010

2. Purpose To provide a brief overview of Autism Speaks’ Family Services – Autism in the Workplace Resources and how employers can use the available tools to better serve not only their employees who may be affected with autism, but also their customers.

3. Agenda Prevalence of Autism Effects of Autism on Employers Autism in the Workplace Available Tools for Employers

4. Prevalence of Autism Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children are diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the United States and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. Current estimates are that in the United States alone, one out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism.

5. Effects of Autism on Employers With the increasing rate of incidence, employers need to be aware of the affects autism has on their employees, either as family members or as an individual with autism. Awareness is Knowledge Knowledge means Success

6. Effects of Autism on Employers Challenges for Individuals with Autism: Communicating with Others Understanding Language Socializing and Developing Friendships Unusual Behavior

7. Effects of Autism on Employers Benefits for Hiring Individuals with Autism: Communicating with Others Understanding Language Socializing and Developing Friendships Unusual Behavior

8. Autism in the Workplace Autism in the Workplace serves as a source of inspiration and resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, as well as prospective employers.

9. Autism in the Workplace Features: Online videos of individuals with autism and their successful employment experiences Steps to Success: how to make employment a rewarding and valuable experience for the employee and employer Resource links for employers, employees, and jobseekers.

10. Available Tools for Employers Share Your Success Story! autismintheworkplace@autismspeaks.org www.Autismspeaks.org/community/family_services Nora Rubovitz Family Services Project Manager nora.rubovitz@autismspeaks.org (917) 475-5075 nora.rubovitz@autismspeaks.org