Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
Fall 2025
Abstract
Goal Statement: The goal of this Social Change Portfolio is to identify prevention-focused strategies that reduce unemployment among neurodivergent individuals with Autism, ADHD, and intellectual developmental delays by promoting inclusive hiring practices, creating access to vocational training and workplace accommodations, encouraging employers to adopt neuro-affirming practices, and equipping counselors to support clients in navigating employment challenges and advocating for workplace inclusion. Significant Findings: In Charlotte, North Carolina, many neurodivergent people, including those with autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities, continue to face major challenges finding and keeping steady jobs. Across the country, about 85 percent of autistic adults are unemployed, one in three adults with ADHD are out of work, and only about one in three adults with intellectual disabilities have jobs. Among those who do, fewer than one in five work in settings that pay fair wages and promote inclusion (Creative Spirit, 2024; ERIC, 2023). Families in Charlotte report long waits for vocational rehabilitation and limited access to job coaching or training opportunities (Disability Rights North Carolina, 2025). These barriers often lead to frustration, financial strain, and mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, and isolation (Franke, 2024; Springer, 2024). Many of these challenges come from stigma, limited workplace flexibility, and a lack of understanding about neurodivergent strengths (Joshi et al., 2023). However, there are programs that show success. Project SEARCH helps young people with disabilities gain real-world job experience, and nearly nine out of ten participants find meaningful work afterward (Rutkowski et al., 2020). College-based initiatives such as Think College also improve employment outcomes, with graduates three times more likely to find jobs than peers who only finish high school (Grigal et al., 2018; Parisi and Landau, 2019). These findings highlight that Charlotte has both a challenge and an opportunity to build a more inclusive workforce that recognizes neurodivergent talent as a strength, supports families, and strengthens the overall health and well-being of the community. Objectives/Strategies/Interventions/Next Steps: To increase employment opportunities and improve quality of life for neurodivergent individuals in Charlotte, North Carolina, several strategies and interventions are recommended. First, community collaboration is essential. Partnering with organizations such as NCWorks Career Centers, LiNC-IT, and Creative Spirit can expand inclusive hiring pathways by encouraging employers to participate in neurodiversity awareness training and to develop paid internship or apprenticeship programs that align with participants’ strengths and interests. Second, implementing evidence-based transition and training programs through collaboration with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Project SEARCH, and local businesses can help create high school-to-work opportunities that provide real-world job experience, coaching, and life skills development for youth with disabilities. These programs should be evaluated regularly to ensure equitable access and measurable employment growth. Third, partnerships with local colleges and universities are needed to expand postsecondary inclusion using the Think College model, which supports students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through coursework, job readiness training, and peer mentoring to promote meaningful employment after graduation. Fourth, support for families must also be strengthened by working with community organizations such as the Autism Strong Foundation and NAMI Charlotte to create workshops and support groups focused on mental health, stress management, and navigating vocational systems. Finally, employer education and accountability are key. Offering professional development, recognition programs, and resource toolkits through agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the Office of Disability Employment Policy can help businesses build neuroinclusive workplaces that sustain long-term success. Collecting and sharing local data and personal stories will also help highlight progress, identify barriers, and inspire other North Carolina communities to adopt similar approaches toward inclusion.
