Adolescent and Adult Program
The Adolescent and Adult Services Program offers skill-enhancing employment readiness and work experience programs for autistic individuals aged 15 years and older.
Programs for individuals on the ASD spectrum aged 15 years and older
The Adolescent and Adult Services (AAS) Program offers skill-enhancing employment readiness and work experience programs for autistic individuals aged 15 years and older. A formal diagnosis of Autism is not required to access AAS; if one identifies as being on the ASD spectrum, that is sufficient. However, please note that additional services beyond AAS may require a formal diagnosis.
In addition, employment and job coaching support is currently offered through Ready Willing and Able (RWA).
Careers for Autistic Adults
Finding meaningful work is more than just earning a paycheque — for many adults on the autism spectrum, having access to jobs and stable careers contributes significantly to self‑esteem, independence and quality of life. Unfortunately, employment statistics show that many neurodivergent adults struggle to find or retain competitive work: only around one third of adults with autism are employed, compared with a much higher percentage among non‑disabled adults.
That’s why targeted autism support programs and employment initiatives are so critical. Whether you are an adult with autism seeking your first job, returning to the workforce or exploring career paths, access to tailored supports can make all the difference.
Employee Readiness Programs for Autistic Individuals
SASS’s Employment Readiness Programs aim to support autistic adolescents and adults to develop skills to promote independence and success with employment. These programs are suitable for first time job seekers as well as those that are facing changes to, or challenges within their current job. These programs include opportunities to sample a variety of entry-level work tasks as well as training sessions covering topics such as preparing for employment, resume building, job search techniques, disclosure, advocacy, accessing accommodations, social communication in the workplace and other pre-employment skills.
Funding for the Adolescent and Adult Services’ Employment Readiness programs is provided by Family and Community Supports (FCSS) through the City of Calgary
What are the Challenges in Finding Job Opportunities for Autistic People?
Adults with autism can face difficulties in common work environments. Social communication differences, sensory sensitivities, unpredictable routines and overloaded workplaces can make traditional hiring processes, workplaces and retention difficult.
With tailored supports, these challenges can be addressed in ways that respect neurodivergent strengths and differences. Employment support programs can help prepare job‑seekers for interviews, teach workplace communication and self-advocacy skills, offer on‑the‑job coaching or mentorship, and support both employees and employers to create inclusive, accessible workplaces.
Such supports don’t just benefit individuals — they benefit workplaces, too. Many autistic adults bring strengths such as reliability, attention to detail, honesty and consistency; with appropriate supports and accommodations, they can thrive and contribute tremendous value.
Current programs:
- Work Skills Exploration
- Pre-Employment Program
What This Program Offers: Jobs for Autistic Adults & Autism Support
Our Adolescent and Adult Services include specially designed employment opportunities for autistic adults — helping bridge the gap between wanting to work and finding a good-fit job or career. Whether you’re looking for short‑term employment, ongoing part‑ or full‑time work, or career development, this program supports adults with autism from job search through workplace integration.
Work Experience Programs for Autistic Adults & Adolescents
SASS’s Work Experience Programs assist autistic adolescents and adults gain valuable, hands-on work experience. Both “hard skills” related to task completion, as well as “soft skills” required to be successful in a workplace are targeted.
Current programs:
- London Drugs Work Experience
- SASS Custodial Work Experience
For further information about the AAS Program contact:
Joanne Greig, Program Manager
(403) 991-7823 or [email protected]
Watch our Adolescent and Adult Services Program in action!
Ready Willing & Able
Job Seekers / Inclusive Hiring
Ready, Willing & Able (RWA) is a national initiative that engages, educates and supports employers to hire Autistic individuals and/or individuals with an intellectual disability . As well, RWA aims to support job seekers in their pursuit to obtain meaningful employment. Society for Autism Support and Services is proud to be an RWA host agency.
For Autistic Job Seekers:
- Do you self - identify as Autistic?
- Are you 16 years of age or older?
- Are you looking for employment in the Calgary area?
Through the Ready, Willing and Able program, our Autism Outreach Coordinator can support you with navigating your path to success by connecting you to community agencies and services that:
- provide pre-employment and employment readiness supports
- have connections to competitive employment opportunities with businesses in a variety of industries
- provide any additional supports or accommodations that may be needed on the job
- provide supports to assist you with your post-secondary studies
If you are a job seeker looking for further information or support, click here or contact:
Matt Allen, Autism Outreach Coordinator
(403) 991-8164 or [email protected]
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For Inclusive Employers:
- provide pre-employment and employment readiness supports
- have connections to competitive employment opportunities with businesses in a variety of industries
- provide any additional supports or accommodations that may be needed on the job
- refer job seekers to services that focus on mental health, life skills, housing, etc.
- provide supports to assist you with your post-secondary studies
Ready, Willing, and Able (RWA) supports employers in accessing the business benefits of inclusive hiring. The RWA model is designed to support employers by providing:
- insights on the business benefits of inclusive hiring and the return on investment experienced by Canadian businesses who hire people with autism or an intellectual disability
- disability awareness training for your employees
- an individualized approach to developing and implementing inclusive recruitment and selection strategies
- coordinated access to a broad talent pool of persons with autism or an intellectual disability
- direct connections to local employment agencies who provide complimentary on-the-job supports, such as job coaching, to qualified candidates and new employees with autism or an intellectual disability
If you are an employer looking to hire inclusively, please click here or contact:
Kyrsten Nielsen
Labour Market Facilitator
Regional Autism Coordinator – Alberta
587-894-6111 or [email protected]