About

Approximately 1 in 50 Canadians lives with autism. This form of neurodiversity, or the inherent diversity in the way the brain develops and functions among all humans, can have significant impacts on social interactions and behaviours. This may result in other people seeing their autistic peers and co-workers as “odd” or out of sync with those around them. 

Despite their skills and aptitudes in a wide range of interest areas and often their high level of educational attainment, in Canada, only 33% of autistic adults reported being employed compared to the 80% employment rate of adults without disabilities (Deloitte Canada, March 2022). Often, they are underemployed and experience social isolation from “typical co-workers.”

Given the current context where workplaces are experiencing labour shortages and a more transient workforce across many sectors, the diversity of skillsets coupled with the unique characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum are particularly valuable and beneficial to employers (e.g. Schall et al, 2012). 

Competitive and meaningful employment is easily achievable with cost-effective, evidence-based approaches to career counselling, pre-employment training and assessment, and on-the-job supports and accommodations.

Currently, there is a dearth of supports specifically focused on those with autism, especially after they have achieved higher education and training in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. Traditional supported employment services often concentrate on entry level employment for their clients who present with co-occurring intellectual disabilities, while traditional headhunting services are unable to provide the ongoing support that is often needed to ensure recruitment and employment success for autistic clients. At Level IT Up, we are here to fill the gap in services and supports our candidates encounter as they prepare for and work towards their employment goals.