HR Connection blog

One in 68 Americans is autistic. Autism is a spectrum disorder, so many individuals only slightly differ from a "neurotypical" person. Many autistic adults have significant skills that could benefit many jobs and industries. So why hasn't this untapped group of possible employees been utilized to the best of their potential?

Matt Clokus is a freshman at George Mason University (GMU), a computer-enthusiast and also autistic. In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, his mom, Colleen Clokus, a VP of Workforce Solutions for Employment Enterprises, Inc., spoke about his enrollment with the Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI). 

Nearly a quarter century ago, the Autism Society launched a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness and assure that each person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. We, at Employment Enterprises, Inc. (EE, Inc.) are committed to promoting and encouraging autism awareness and in particular, working towards ensuring acceptance and inclusion in schools, communities and higher learning institutions where ASDs are truly valued for their unique talents and gifts.