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Autism Works: A Guide to Successful Employment across the Entire Spectrum
People with autism are being left behind today, with only 16 per cent in full-time employment. This inspiring book addresses the lack of understanding of the wonderful contributions people across the autism spectrum can make to the workplace, drawing attention to this vast untapped human resource. Employers who create supportive workplaces can enhance their companies by making use of the talents of people with autism while also helping to produce a more inclusive and tolerant society, and people with autism can themselves benefit materially and emotionally from improved employment opportunities. Packed with real-life case studies examining the day-to-day working lives of people across the autism spectrum in a wide variety of careers, this book provides constructive solutions for both employers seeking to improve their workplaces and for individuals with autism considering their employment options. It dispels popular myths about autism, such as that everyone is good at IT, and crucially tackles the potential job opportunities available across the spectrum, including for those who have no language at all. It also highlights the neglected area of gender differences in the workplace and the costs of autistic females’ ability to 'camouflage' their condition. This book is a must-read for parents, employers and adults with autism, and for anyone interested in the present and future of people with autism in the workplace who will benefit from the positive message that employing autistic people is not an act of charity but one that makes sound economic sense.
336 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2018
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March 7, 2025
Adam Feinstein’s Autism Works is an ambitious and detailed examination of employment opportunities for people on the autism spectrum. The book aims to highlight both the barriers autistic individuals face in the workforce and the benefits of hiring neurodiverse employees. While Feinstein presents extensive research, interviews, and case studies, the book sometimes struggles to maintain focus, and its recommendations can feel somewhat one-dimensional.
The book is neatly divided into seven sections, covering everything from choosing the right career to the challenges of job interviews and workplace dynamics. Feinstein starts with a striking statistic: "Only sixteen percent of people on the autism spectrum hold full-time jobs" (p. i). This sets the stage for a discussion on the lack of opportunities, the transition from education to employment, and the systemic barriers autistic individuals face.
In the section Which Job – and Why?, Feinstein challenges stereotypes about autism, particularly the common belief that all autistic individuals excel in IT-related roles. He highlights stories like that of Luke Jackson, a talented photographer who struggles with self-doubt: "To him, if there is more to learn about his specialist subject, then he is not good at it" (p. 21). These case studies are compelling, but at times the book gets bogged down in excessive detail, making it less accessible for casual readers.
One of the book’s strongest sections explores the "hidden curriculum" of the workplace—the unspoken social rules that many autistic employees find challenging. Feinstein uses real-life examples to illustrate this issue, including an anonymous letter published in The Guardian: "I wish I could tell you this is the first job where I have felt disabled" (p. 2). His analysis here is insightful, but he stops short of offering concrete strategies that neurodivergent employees can use to navigate these challenges.
The chapter on gender and autism is another highlight. Feinstein discusses how women on the spectrum often go undiagnosed because they mask their traits: "We have become increasingly aware that females are being underdiagnosed with autism because of their ability to 'camouflage' their autistic symptoms" (p. 245). However, while the gender discussion is valuable, it feels somewhat isolated from the broader themes of the book.
One major weakness of Autism Works is its limited perspective. While Feinstein presents an impressive number of case studies, his analysis is heavily focused on the UK and US. Readers looking for a global perspective on autism and employment may find the book lacking. A comparison with employment policies in other countries would have provided a more well-rounded discussion.
Additionally, the book occasionally feels repetitive. Feinstein returns multiple times to the concept of "the autism advantage"—the idea that autistic individuals bring unique strengths to the workplace, such as attention to detail and reliability. While this is an important point, it is reiterated so frequently that it loses some of its impact: "The autism advantage is there for us all to see: individuals with autism tend to be extremely reliable, conscientious, focused" (p. 4). More variation in the discussion would have strengthened the book’s overall argument.
Autism Works is an informative read, particularly for employers and HR professionals looking to create a more inclusive workplace. Feinstein’s case studies and research are valuable, but the book’s narrow focus and repetitive structure prevent it from being a truly standout work. It provides important insights but leaves some key questions unanswered. A good read for those interested in autism and employment, but not without its flaws.
The book is neatly divided into seven sections, covering everything from choosing the right career to the challenges of job interviews and workplace dynamics. Feinstein starts with a striking statistic: "Only sixteen percent of people on the autism spectrum hold full-time jobs" (p. i). This sets the stage for a discussion on the lack of opportunities, the transition from education to employment, and the systemic barriers autistic individuals face.
In the section Which Job – and Why?, Feinstein challenges stereotypes about autism, particularly the common belief that all autistic individuals excel in IT-related roles. He highlights stories like that of Luke Jackson, a talented photographer who struggles with self-doubt: "To him, if there is more to learn about his specialist subject, then he is not good at it" (p. 21). These case studies are compelling, but at times the book gets bogged down in excessive detail, making it less accessible for casual readers.
One of the book’s strongest sections explores the "hidden curriculum" of the workplace—the unspoken social rules that many autistic employees find challenging. Feinstein uses real-life examples to illustrate this issue, including an anonymous letter published in The Guardian: "I wish I could tell you this is the first job where I have felt disabled" (p. 2). His analysis here is insightful, but he stops short of offering concrete strategies that neurodivergent employees can use to navigate these challenges.
The chapter on gender and autism is another highlight. Feinstein discusses how women on the spectrum often go undiagnosed because they mask their traits: "We have become increasingly aware that females are being underdiagnosed with autism because of their ability to 'camouflage' their autistic symptoms" (p. 245). However, while the gender discussion is valuable, it feels somewhat isolated from the broader themes of the book.
One major weakness of Autism Works is its limited perspective. While Feinstein presents an impressive number of case studies, his analysis is heavily focused on the UK and US. Readers looking for a global perspective on autism and employment may find the book lacking. A comparison with employment policies in other countries would have provided a more well-rounded discussion.
Additionally, the book occasionally feels repetitive. Feinstein returns multiple times to the concept of "the autism advantage"—the idea that autistic individuals bring unique strengths to the workplace, such as attention to detail and reliability. While this is an important point, it is reiterated so frequently that it loses some of its impact: "The autism advantage is there for us all to see: individuals with autism tend to be extremely reliable, conscientious, focused" (p. 4). More variation in the discussion would have strengthened the book’s overall argument.
Autism Works is an informative read, particularly for employers and HR professionals looking to create a more inclusive workplace. Feinstein’s case studies and research are valuable, but the book’s narrow focus and repetitive structure prevent it from being a truly standout work. It provides important insights but leaves some key questions unanswered. A good read for those interested in autism and employment, but not without its flaws.
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