by Marjorie Duryea, Director of Employment Programs, Easterseals Crossroads

Individuals with autism can and do live fulfilling lives as vibrant members of a community. According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children living in the United States has autism. Children with autism become adults with autism.

Adults with autism enter the workforce regularly and make significant contributions to the mission and goals of an employer. It is with this outlook that we recognize and promote the differences of all individuals with or without disabilities to maximize our strength as a community that values diversity and inclusion.

Support for Individuals with Autism from Easterseals Crossroads

Support for individuals living with autism begins at an early age. Easterseals Crossroads can help identify the diagnosis of autism as a young child and provide foundational therapy programs to create the path and structure to gain confidence, independence and skills for success.
As an adolescent, a person with autism can benefit from our high school transition programs and our college internship program for students with autism can pave the way toward future employment.

As a young adult, a person with autism can benefit from our employment programs to learn about career interests, skills and opportunities. We provide resources, structure and opportunities to maximize independence for a fulfilling life.

Supporting Individuals with Autism in the Workplace

The Interview
During an interview, if an applicant mentions that he/she has autism, don’t focus the conversation on limitations. You can ask the individual if he or she requires any specific accommodation.

When discussing necessary accommodations for a person with autism you simply need to focus on factors that will facilitate success on the job. Most of these are free, easy and require minimal changes in the work environment.

General interviewing tips/techniques can help make an interview more productive and meaningful for any potential employee – with or without a disability.

• Allow plenty of time after you ask a question as some individuals with autism may require additional time to relay or process information.
• Allow the individual to have an advocate or support person with him or her when requested but direct your questions and comments directly to the individual being interviewed.
• Listen attentively when you are talking with a person who has difficulty keeping the conversation on track and guide her/him back to your question.
• Be patient and wait for the person to finish speaking rather than correcting the person or speaking for him or her.
• Ask short questions that require short answers when possible.
• Do not pretend to understand. Instead, repeat what you believe was said and allow the person to respond.
• If an individual is having extreme difficulty answering a question, suggest writing a response or revisiting the question later.
• Do not assume a flat affect or lack of eye contact means someone is not interested in what you are saying.

After the Hire
Once a person with autism becomes an employee, there are ways to smooth the transition. This begins with open communication and clear direction as to expectations. The immediate supervisor of the person with autism might find it helpful to spend time outside of the typical training to include basic office dynamics and protocol.

Individuals with autism are often very literal and see through a lens of black and white with no gray area; this can lead to misunderstandings in the workplace. Remember this when providing instructions and speaking with your employee with autism.

Most work environments have unwritten or unspoken rules; try to identify yours and make them clear to your employee with autism.

Clarity is very important when training, delegating and providing instruction. Don’t assume your employee with autism will pick up information that is implied and not stated clearly.

If your employee with autism chooses not to participate in social gatherings in or outside of the office, don’t be offended. Social gatherings may be confusing and anxiety provoking for a person with autism. Spending time alone may be this individual’s best way to relax, recharge and prepare for the duties of the job.

Setting up your employee with autism for success in the workplace is not that different from an employee without autism. You simply need to focus on getting to know and understand the individual and assign duties that maximize their strengths, and abilities and avoid tasks in areas where they will struggle.

For more information about hiring individuals with autism, contact us.

Easterseals Crossroads has entered the gaming community with focus on creating inclusive, accessible spaces for an underserved population – gamers with disabilities. Together with other Easterseals affiliates, we are now ES Gaming and we are setting a new standard for equity, inclusion and access for all gamers – with and without disabilities.

Disability awareness and accessibility in gaming has become a priority for companies and developers, but barriers still exist for gamers with disabilities. Progress has been made in the industry toward inclusion, but knowledge and understanding of accessibility continues to lag. It is our goal to bridge that gap through education, technology, engaging social content and community events aimed at bringing gamers together for a collective cause.

Easterseals Crossroads is especially positioned to bridge the accessibility gap with the expertise of its Assistive Technology Center. We provide technology solutions for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of daily life including work, recreation, school, community events and more.

“With our lending library and device demos available through the Assistive Technology Center, we are removing the barriers that have kept gamers with disabilities from fully joining gaming activities. By providing access to special gaming tools and spreading awareness, we are not only making gaming better, but we are also making sure that everyone – regardless of ability – feels welcome and equal,” said Brian Norton, Vice President, Adult Services, Easterseals Crossroads.

In our community, ES Gaming Indy exists to make gaming adaptable for people with disabilities by providing inclusive in-person and online environments.

“People with disabilities (visible or not) have traditionally been excluded from so many environments largely due to unwritten, unspoken social barriers. Gaming – whether online or in person – tends to create a level playing field in which everyone is accepted,” said David Dreith, President/CEO, Easterseals Crossroads.

Impact of Gaming

David has learned firsthand about the power of gaming in the lives of people with disabilities. His daughter Abby is a young adult with autism. Growing up, Abby found the process of building relationships with others to be difficult.

“In my long tenure of gaming, I’ve met so many wonderful people I’ve found through gaming and common interests. From my own standpoint as someone with autism, gaming has been a truly positive aspect of my day-to-day life in helping me find new interests and friends as well as optimizing my cognitive skills and intelligence,” said Abby Dreith.

Gaming offers people of all abilities and ages the opportunity to come together without the social labels of age, race, disability, gender or sexuality. Because gaming can occur online within groups there are more opportunities to develop meaningful and lasting relationships with others. And through these connections, diversity can add a unique perspective to gaming.

The benefits of gaming for people with disabilities are immense and multifaceted. Gaming serves as more than just entertainment; it fosters social connections, improves cognitive abilities and enhances motor skills. For individuals with mobility impairments, gaming provides an avenue for expression, breaking down physical barriers and enabling them to immerse themselves in rich virtual worlds. Moreover, gaming platforms offer a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can explore their capabilities, build confidence and develop vital problem-solving skills.

Connections through Gaming

Families who game – either through electronic or board games – have found that fun competition brings out the best in each other. The strategic thinking needed in gaming can encourage problem solving and communication, as well as foster support and group dynamics.

“As a parent who games with my adult children Abby and Val, I have learned a lot about how they think. They have demonstrated talents beyond the actual skills for gaming, and I have had the wonderful opportunity to witness this. Recently at our first team meeting at Easterseals Crossroads, I observed Abby adapt a controller for the use of another gamer with a physical disability. It reminded me once again how incredible that she is with problem solving, and that she loves using those skills to help others,” said David.

Future of ES Gaming Indy

For people with disabilities—a community vulnerable to social isolation—gaming is a powerful source of connection and friendship. Our future agency plan will include a dedicated, inclusive, fully accessible gaming center. This will allow us to expand our innovative ES Gaming Indy initiative and accelerate our growth as a barrier-breaking hub for gaming, assistive technology and equitable design.

Thanks to a generous donation by Easterseals Crossroads’ Board Member Phil Belt and his wife Kelly, we have created a temporary gaming lounge where ES Gaming Indy resides, and we’re currently imagining the studio as we look to the future. Gaming is one of the many avenues people with disabilities can use to close the gap between accessibility and inclusion.

“There is so much more work that needs to be done for the future of gaming. For people with physical disabilities, it’s an uphill battle for video game accessibility. Certain aspects of game story and game play require controls that are not accommodating to players with physical disabilities, and there is a general lack of settings regarding controls and visual/audial sensory adjustments. Providing solutions for these issues, as well as incorporating proper disability representation in gaming, will be key to dismantling ableism in one of the most popular forms of media on the planet,” said Abby.

Join ES Gaming Indy

Join ES Gaming Indy today and be part of the fun in creating our team! Your involvement will provide you with chances to meet with others in person and online; we have some great summer activities planned, as well.

Joining is simple; scan the code and fill out the brief form. You must be 18+ years of age to join. Be part of the movement to level the playing field in gaming and create a community that is welcoming to gamers of all abilities!

Connect with us and learn more about ES Gaming!

submitted by Karrie Veteto, Director, Autism & Behavior Services, Easterseals Crossroads

If you are a parent or caregiver, you already know that a vacation with your kids is often better labeled as a “trip.” Yes, of course you can still visit amazing places, create lifelong memories and enjoy new experiences with your family; but there is always a fair amount of work involved in the planning process.

Does everyone have what they need for the trip? Do the kids have things to do in the car/ on the airplane? Do we have enough snacks? Then there are the bigger logistics such as
• How much will it cost?
• Will the kids have fun?
• What restaurants are nearby?
• What extra experiences should we include?

If you are a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, then you know that there is even more to think through. Individuals with autism often have difficulty with changes in routine. Transitioning between activities can be a challenge. New environments can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. Thoughtful planning can really help to make your trip more enjoyable not only for your child on the autism spectrum but also for you and the rest of your family. Here are some tips to consider when planning a family trip or vacation:

Choosing a Destination/Plan

• You know what your child likes and doesn’t like. Trying to capitalize on including your child’s interests and preferences is a good place to start. Respect your child’s limits. If your child struggles in busy/ chaotic environments, then maybe a calmer beach house or lake house option is a better plan. Or if your family wants to explore a touristy hotspot (think Disney), how can you balance this within your trip to still be able to offer some calmness?
• Will you need additional support in case your child on the spectrum needs breaks when the rest of the family wants to be on the go? Consider bringing a grandparent or family friend if you think this might make the vacation more do-able.

Planning for Changes in Routine and Schedule

• Try to give your child advance notice about changes in routine/ schedule. You could use a visual on the calendar or verbal reminders. You might even highlight an aspect of the event in which your child has the most interest. For example, you could say “We are going to the beach on Friday, and you can play in the sand.”
• Don’t plan too many things. You know what your child can handle well. It’s okay to plan for down time. If suggested plans are likely to be too much, then plan accordingly.

Visiting New or Less Familiar Places

• Consider bringing additional items from home. Does your child have preferred items to sleep with? Can you create some space in your vacation home that is just for your child? Maybe a small tent or corner area that can be just for them.
• Don’t forget about bringing along preferred food items if they are a picky eater. Look up potential restaurants in advance to see if there are food options your child will eat. If a busy restaurant atmosphere seems too much, consider getting takeout to take back to your vacation home.
• When out and about, consider providing your child with a visual to indicate how long you plan to be there. This may be a timer or a visual schedule. If they can tell time, list an estimated departure time, but do plan to stick to it. We all can often tolerate stressful or less desired activities a little more easily when we know that eventually we get to leave and go home.

You know your child best. Make a plan that best suits the needs of your child on the spectrum as well as the rest of the family. Every family is different, and while your trip or vacation might look different, it might be exactly what your family needs to relax, connect and enjoy family time.

Learn more about autism and behavior services.