Adults with autism could well represent the largest untapped talent pool in the United States. Every year, one in 36 children (and as high as one in 22 boys) are diagnosed with autism. Each year, a new group of these children become adults. Unfortunately, estimates are that 80 to 90 percent of adults with autism who want to work and can work are unemployed or underemployed. Often, this is not because they aren’t capable of doing a job, but rather due to a deficit of “soft skills,” including difficulty with nuanced communication.
Currently, there is no great source of help for this group of adults, which is growing each year as more children with autism age out of various state and federal programs. I hope that President Trump will give significant emphasis to this growing crisis.
I want to suggest that President Trump establish a task force to examine the issue of unemployment among adults with various disabilities, including autism. There is so much we can do to help this group become productive, independent citizens through policy initiatives, public-private partnerships, tax incentives for businesses, and other measures. If he establishes this task force, I suggest he include not only business leaders but also adults with autism who have struggled and the parents who have helped them along the way.
This is a personal issue for me, as my son with autism has struggled to secure long-term employment since graduating from college a few years ago. People in hiring positions don’t often see past the disability and fail to focus on areas of great strength. This is unfortunate because many individuals possess remarkable abilities in high-interest areas. My son, for example, is passionate about Donald Trump being re-elected. He worked as a volunteer and paid staff during the 2020 and 2024 cycles and was also an alternate delegate to the RNC in Milwaukee. Despite his passion, involvement, and hard work, certain challenges have hindered his efforts to find success in long-term paid positions beyond short-term contract work within and outside of campaigns.
I hope President Trump will make an effort to include people with autism and similar disabilities in the administration. If placed in the right positions and with proper support, people on the spectrum can accomplish great things. I hope that President Trump will emphasize helping this population secure long-term employment so they can be independent, productive, contributing members of society.
Unfortunately, I have missed the window to officially nominate people for positions in the administration, so I am posting today in the hopes that I can help bring awareness to the issue of autism and unemployment. I hope the decision-makers will read this and take some action to help. Thank you.
