About 200,000 autistic people live in the Netherlands. Many have qualities that make them highly suitable for the labour market. Organisations actively seek to attract and retain employees with autism. Yet most people with autism have difficulty finding but especially retaining work. There is often no suitable work environment. Usually, this is not a matter of unwillingness but of lack of expertise and support.
The goal
The goal of the project called "Autism Works" is therefore to create a breakthrough in the labor market and to support employers and employees in promoting sustainable employment of people with autism. The project is carried out by a (neuro-)diverse research team consisting of people with autism themselves, scientists, employees, employers and (occupational health and safety) professionals. In addition to the NWO, public and private partners are contributing to the project.
In recent years, much research has already been done in the field of autism and work and various tools and interventions have been developed to support employees and employers in finding and keeping work. Unfortunately, the use of the developed knowledge in practice remains lacking. With this project, the researchers and practice partners involved want to create a breakthrough, by joining forces to actually implement existing and proven strategies in practice.
The partners
The research project is an initiative of a large, interdisciplinary consortium, with collaborations between and within science and practice. The core partners involved are: Association of Autism Ambassadors (VAA), Stichting Vanuit Autisme Bekeken (VAB), The Netherlands Autism Register, Human Total Care (HTC), AWVN/De Normaalste Zaak, CNV youth, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University Medical Centre Groningen, Utrecht University and Amsterdam UMC. Other stakeholders include the Dutch Autism Association (NVA), absenteeism insurers, UWV and various employers and employer organisations. The project establishes a learning community for stakeholders to think and participate in various sub-studies. The duration of the project is 6 years and has already started in summer 2024.
