After understanding the Quick Facts about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), receiving a diagnosis, and walking through the first steps, it’s time to learn your rights, what accommodations are available, and where to connect with others on a similar journey.

In this article, Ability Central shares:

• What rights are guaranteed to adults with ASD in the United States?
• Why (and how) should autistic adults seek accommodations at work?
• What accommodations are available outside of work?
• What kinds of support groups are available?
• Where can I find a support group?

What rights are guaranteed to adults with ASD in the US?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination based on disability in the following areas:

• employment,
• state and local government,
• public accommodations,
• commercial facilities,
• transportation, and
• telecommunications.

The ADA covers anyone who:

1. has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more "major life activities,"
2. has a record of such an impairment, or
3. is regarded as having such an impairment.

This includes people who have been diagnosed with ASD, but every case is different, so be sure to talk with a local employment lawyer to understand your particular rights.

The ADA focuses on four primary areas in its coverage.

1. Employment: If a company has at least 15 employees, the ADA says the company cannot discriminate during any stage of employment, including the job application process, hiring, advancement and discharge of employees, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.
2. Public Entities: The ADA prohibits disability discrimination by all public entities, including schools, public transportation, housing, and local, city, county, and state governments.
3. Public Accommodations: The ADA requires accommodations in all private establishments (including restaurants, hotels, stores, and parks) and non-residential commercial facilities (including office buildings, factories, and warehouses) whose operations affect commerce.
4. Telecommunications: The ADA requires that all telecommunications companies ensure functionally equivalent services for consumers with disabilities.

If you believe any of your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the ADA by calling 800-514-0301 (voice) or 1-833-610-1264 (TTY).

Why (and how) should autistic adults seek accommodations at work?

Having a job can carry a great sense of pride. But, as with any disability, ASD can provide challenges in the workplace. Luckily, there is a roadmap to success.

The Job Accommodations Network (JAN) walks employees through many situations and environments to know what aids an autistic adult may benefit from at work. It also lists specific accommodations available for each of the following:

• Attention and concentration,
• Time management,
• Noise sensitivity,
• Organizing, and
• Stress tolerance.

When you have a list of accommodations you would like to request, there is a template to help with the wording of an official request letter to your employer.

Looking for inspiration? The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Research Institute offers a free publication called “An Autistic View of Employment,” which shares personal stories from employers and employees about what autism looks like in the workplace.

What accommodations are available to autistic adults outside of work?

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a fantastic place to start learning your rights and the accommodations available to an autistic adult outside the workplace.

In addition, the Autism Society provides a list of legislation that affects the autistic community, insurance options, and state-level advocacy.

What kinds of support groups are available?

Support groups help individuals and families access information through the stories of others while helping you not feel as alone on the journey. There are four main kinds of support groups:

1. Peer-Led Autism Support Groups are led by parents who have children with autism.
2. Educational Autism Support Groups provide the latest autism information, including new techniques, methods, and other helpful information.
3. Professionally led Autism Support Groups are often led and funded by organizations run by psychologists, school personnel, and social workers.
4. Family Autism Support Groups focus on the diagnosis of autism, the steps families take after receiving a diagnosis, and the daily challenges of having a loved one with autism.

Depending upon where you are on your journey, each group can have its place.

Where can I find a support group?

There are support groups available both in-person and online. If you prefer in-person options, find a group near you through:

• National Autism Association
• Global and Regional Autism Support Partnership (GRASP)
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network

If you prefer an online setting, you can find groups specific to:

• All adults
• BIPOC adults
• College students
• LGBTQ+
• Men (18-30)
• Neurodiverse couples and partners
• Neurodiverse Working Professionals
• Women
• Women (21-35)
• Women over 50

There are also Facebook groups listed on Spectrum Suite and GRASP.

The Ability Central Portal offers a nationwide database of organizations that offer support. Find the help that's right for you. 

Even though receiving an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, no one has to take this journey alone. Ability Central is here to connect you with resources from across the web to guide you through every step, from facts about the symptoms to understanding the diagnostic process to the first steps.

If you have questions not answered in this set of articles, or if you have a resource you would like to share, please contact us directly at hello@abilitycentral.org.