Employment on the spectrum: Individuals can excel in the workplace with the right help

As society continues to learn more about autism spectrum disorder, diagnoses are on the rise, which has implications for the workforce.

Individuals on the spectrum have problems with social communication and interaction and may exhibit repetitive behaviors and interests. They may also have different ways of learning, moving and paying attention.

The spectrum is broad and can appear differently in individuals, with some displaying a penchant for hyper focus, attention to detail, good memory and natural creativity.

These are traits that could be beneficial in the workplace.

Since 1969, The Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) has made it its mission to help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and children at risk, to reach their life goals and full potential.

CVRC, a private nonprofit on contract with California’s Department of Developmental Services, partners with agencies and services in the area to help meet the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including helping them join the workforce.

CVRC has offices in Fresno, Visalia and Merced. It is the fifth largest regional center out of all the 21 centers in the state.

CVRC Employment Specialist David Keosheyan said they work with the California Department of Rehabilitation to provide individual job placement services, as well as additional coaching after they are hired.

“Everybody is an individual. An individual with autism might be shy or outspoken or may be real honest and say something inappropriate. A job coach could help them navigate those types of situations,” Keosheyan said.

Job coaches will help individuals learn their tasks as well as how to get along with coworkers, how to talk to supervisors and other soft skills essential to the workplace.

CVRC also has a service called customized employment that more precisely matches clients with a job.

There is also an internship program where CVRC pays the wages for an individual if an employer provides job training and work experience, which does lead to permanent hires.

The nonprofit serves as the funding agency and partners with other agencies and providers.

Keosheyan said most individuals who find a job are very happy and excited to be part of the workforce.

Aaron Olson, director of community services at CVRC, said that the “aspects of openness and inclusion” from employers are important to help support individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities in the workplace.

“Businesses that embrace people with unique diversity in their own right, whether it be an intellectual disability or ASD, discover an individual that is committed to work. We have stories of these employees having perfect attendance records. Their commitment is profound,” Olson said.

Olson said employers with an open mind will do well in finding committed employees in these communities.

CVRC itself hires individuals from these communities that are fully focused on their work. They perform key work for the nonprofit.

CVRC services more than 28,000 individuals and encourages local businesses to reach out if they are interested in employing individuals with ASD and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Through CVRC, Ralph Dominguez, team leader of the mailing and printing department at Fresno’s Community Regional Medical Center, took advantage of an opportunity to work with a dedicated individual with ASD.

CVRC works with the Best Buddies International, a nonprofit that creates social life and career opportunities for individuals with IDD.

Dominguez leads Greg Villalobos, who is in his early 40s and has autism. Villalobos started working in the mail room about six years ago.

Dominguez said Villalobos is high functioning and very intelligent. Part of Villalobos’ duties include delivering mail and packages to different departments. He excels at it.

He said Villalobos does have some issues with interpersonal relationships and communication in general, but over the years they have been able to get over that hurdle.

Villalobos is good at initiating communication, and his job does require a sort of customer service that he is good at providing, Dominguez said.

Many people on the spectrum are very organized, which translates to Villalobos’ skills in remembering names and office numbers. He also keeps his workspace tidy, Dominguez said.

Dominguez said he has never had much experience with individuals on the spectrum prior to working with Villalobos. Initially there were difficulties getting Villalobos to understand simple statements and job commands.

Working with Villalobos opened Dominguez’s eyes, he said.

“Patience and understanding are No. 1,” Dominguez said. “He could be at home doing nothing, but he wants to be a part of society and contribute. If they [people with IDD] want to contribute and work I think you should give them all the tools that you can to succeed.”

Dominguez says Villalobos is a key member of the team, and he can’t recall a day he has called in sick.

Villalobos is a bit more on the serious side, but he does enjoy watching movies and is a fan of Star Wars, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the older Batman films.

Villalobos lives with his mother, who is older, but he is very independent, organizing his own rides to and from work and meeting responsibilities in caring for her.

Dominguez said it’s great to see more recognition and support for people with IDD in the workplace and is happy to be part of helping an individual with autism excel in life.