Latest / Catalyst Center for Work Innovation: The Debate
A Debate about When Assessment Becomes Gatekeeping: Reconsidering Vocational Rehabilitation for Autistic Adults
This research examines the severe employment gap facing autistic adults, arguing that current vocational rehabilitation systems fail by focusing on individual deficits rather than environmental barriers. Although research indicates that autistic employees often match or exceed the performance of their peers, traditional hiring processes and workplace designs frequently exclude them through sensory or social obstacles. The research suggests that high rates of unemployment and mental health struggles are exacerbated by institutional gatekeeping that prioritizes "readiness" assessments over…
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