Partnership will help individuals with autism train for jobs

Allentown-based global technology services firm CAI and Marshall University’s West Virginia Autism Training Center, a statewide technical assistance and direct service agency providing specialized training and support to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, announced Tuesday that they’re joining forces.

They signed a memorandum of understanding for CAI Neurodiverse Solutions – CAI’s end-to-end neurodiversity employment program – to provide work experience and employment opportunities to Marshall neurodivergent graduates, and for the Autism Training Center to strengthen neurodiversity training for CAI employees.

Annually, over 111,000 individuals with autism spectrum disorder in the U.S. turn 18 years old and prepare for the workforce, yet unemployment rates for neurodivergent adults are as high as 40%, a release noted. According to the Autism Society, while universities are mandated to provide transition programs to students on the autism spectrum, not all schools are equipped with the resources to help them adapt to the workforce.

The partnership between CAI Neurodiverse Solutions and the Autism Training Center will allow them to conduct research informing business leaders in how best to support their employees with autism spectrum disorder; to provide students more real-work experience prior to entering college; and to develop graduates’ skillsets necessary to succeed in their jobs.

“We are passionate about helping the neurodiverse community find meaningful careers,” Anthony Pacilio, vice president of CAI Neurodiverse Solutions, said in the release. “Partnering with one of the longest-standing autism service providers in higher education means that we will bring more brilliantly talented individuals into the workforce. We are excited about the impact we will make with the West Virginia Autism Training Center.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer