DiscoverAdulting with AutismAutistic Employment Inclusion: Transition Strategies | Ben Schatzel
Autistic Employment Inclusion: Transition Strategies | Ben Schatzel

Autistic Employment Inclusion: Transition Strategies | Ben Schatzel

Update: 2025-11-15
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Autistic post-school employment gaps? Ben Schatzel (Stannum Core Solutions founder, human behaviorist/autism advocate) shares: From therapy roots to tackling the 'service cliff' (2020 workforce pivot), his Spectrum Certified process (universal design visuals, Autism 101 training, skill-matched onboarding) boosts inclusion—phasing subminimum wage (Illinois Dignity in Pay Act) for competitive pay/independence. For autistic young adults listing strengths/weaknesses (score w/ trusted folks for dream roles), parents prepping transitions, or allies reforming labor, this convo's your toolkit—routine resets, trust networks, and 'no man left behind' mindset for ROI (lower turnover/productivity gains).

Timestamps:
 0:00 - Intro: Ben's Journey to Neurodiverse Hiring
 0:59 - Person-Centered Transitions in Employment
 2:48 - Communication Feedback Loops for ND
 5:30 - Prepare Jobs/Staff for Inclusion
 8:35 - Dream Big: Strengths/Weaknesses Audit
 11:25 - Policy Disconnects: Subminimum Wage Reform
 14:38 - Dignity in Pay Act & Systemic Barriers
 17:56 - Autism Unemployment: 10x Higher Reality
 20:23 - Healthcare/Independence Challenges
 22:17 - Skills for Long-Term Success (Routine/Ask Help)
 25:14 - Resources: Voc Rehab/County Boards
 28:37 - Where to Find Ben (Site/LinkedIn)

Subscribe on Apple/Spotify for weekly neurodivergent adulting tools—rate/review if strategies mapped your path! Resources/agency in notes. Squad, share w/ a job-seeker (tag 'em below—let's include!). Merch: 'Dynamite' tees for transition days (Linktree in notes). #AutisticEmployment #NeurodivergentInclusion #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent #PodMatch


Navigating autistic employment post-school? Ben Schatzel unpacks inclusion: Decade in therapy/job development led to Stannum Core (Chicago-based, tackling 'service cliff' via Spectrum Certified: Job prep visuals, staff Autism 101, onboarding for manufacturing/tech). From 2020 non-profit pivot to Illinois Dignity in Pay Act (phasing 14c subminimum wage—10x ND unemployment vs. NT), Ben advocates competitive integrated roles (ROI: Retention/productivity up, turnover down). Strategies: Strengths/weaknesses lists (score w/ family/friends for skill-matched jobs—e.g., organization for various industries), routine for independence (ask help networks), social inference training (clear comms vs. ambiguity). For late-dx young adults eyeing careers, parents bridging gaps, or allies pushing reform (healthcare tied to jobs, scams awareness), Ben's 'united victory' mindset flips barrie

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

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Autistic Employment Inclusion: Transition Strategies | Ben Schatzel

Autistic Employment Inclusion: Transition Strategies | Ben Schatzel

April Ratchford MS OT/L