Jonathan Hoffman, a children’s author and illustrator, has always seen the world in a unique way. His autism gives him an extraordinary eye for patterns, helping him bring illustrations to life, but it has also made finding employment a constant challenge.
During a job interview at a major retail chain, Hoffman disclosed that he has autism, hoping the employer would be understanding. Instead, the interviewer scolded him for not making eye contact and called him a “punk.”
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“I was a bit discouraged from continuing to seek employment after that,” Hoffman told the Toronto Star (1). “Because I thought, if that’s how people are going to view me, what’s the point?”
For many autistic Canadians, talent alone is not enough. Misunderstandings, stigma and workplaces that fail to accommodate neurodiverse individuals can leave skilled people underemployed or overlooked entirely.
The employment gap for neurodiverse Canadians
Hoffman’s experience is far from unique. In 2022, Statistics Canada reported that 6.9% of Canadians aged 16 to 64 with disabilities were unemployed — almost twice the rate of those without disabilities (2). Of those unemployed, 22.8% had been out of work for more than 27 weeks, compared to 14.7% of non-disabled Canadians. Among those employed, 20.3% worked part-time — fewer than 30 hours per week — compared with 16.2% of non-disabled workers.
The challenges go beyond numbers. Anxiety about public transportation, sensory overload and environments that aren’t accommodating can make typical workplaces overwhelming. Hoffman has faced stereotypes, like being compared to the Rain Man character when he mentions his savant abilities, or being spoken to slowly or with sign language because of perceived difficulties with comprehension.
For young adults, the lack of early work experience is another barrier. Carla Santino, whose 25-year-old son Matthew has autism, told the Star that many autistic children struggle just to get through school, leaving little opportunity for part-time jobs or work experience. “If you don’t have a job, you are still always kind of considered that teenager or that child,” she said.
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Programs helping autistic Canadians gain work experience
Fortunately, Canadian organizations are creating programs to support neurodiverse adults in finding meaningful employment.
Spectrum Works is Canada’s first job fair specifically for adults on the autism spectrum. It connects job seekers with employers and service providers who understand neurodiversity, offering coaching on résumé building, interview skills and pathways to long-term work. In its most recent fair, 500 job seekers registered, filling up in half the time compared to the previous event in 2019.
The Lighthouse Learning & Development Centre provides a 12-week program that combines education, hands-on experience and ongoing support. Eligible for funding through the Ontario Autism Program, the program helps participants gain practical skills and confidence to navigate the workplace. For families like Matthew’s, these resources create opportunities to transition from volunteering to paid employment.
Why understanding makes a difference
Hoffman’s story shows the impact of workplace empathy and accommodation. “If I need a break at a certain time, they might not understand why,” he said. Neurodiverse adults bring unique strengths —attention to detail, creativity and pattern recognition — that can greatly benefit employers.
Some Canadian companies, including Shopify and RBC, have publicly embraced neurodiversity initiatives, providing training and supportive programs for employees on the autism spectrum. Programs like these demonstrate that inclusive workplaces are not only fairer but also more innovative and productive.
Creating opportunities for the future
While the employment journey can be challenging, programs like Spectrum Works and Lighthouse Learning & Development Centre offer guidance, coaching and real connections to employers. Knowing where to turn can make the difference between being overlooked and being recognized for one’s skills.
Hoffman’s story is a reminder that success is not just about talent. It’s also about empathy, understanding and inclusion. For autistic Canadians, finding a workplace that values their contributions can be transformative, both professionally and personally.
For more information on programs and resources for autistic individuals seeking employment, visit Spectrum Works (3) and Lighthouse Learning & Development Centre (4).
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Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
Toronto Star (1); Statistics Canada (2); Spectrum Works (3); Lighthouse Learning & Development Centre (4);
This article originally appeared on Money.ca under the title: Seeing the unseen: Autism and workplace inclusion
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.