Autism Society of Maryland's Autism Hiring Program is a program from Autism Society of Maryland that funds and operates a structured employment initiative connecting autistic adults with employers seeking neurodiverse talent.

Created in 2021, the program addresses the high unemployment rate among autistic adults — including the 85% of college graduates with autism who are unemployed or underemployed — by offering a 10-week cohort of group and individual sessions building workplace skills, self-advocacy, and career readiness. Employers receive training to support neurodiverse hires. Open to autistic adults in Maryland seeking employment.

Applications for 2026 cohorts are open; award amounts vary as this is a support program rather than a traditional grant.

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of Special Education Presentation Documents & Videos Howard County Public Schools Resources APPLY NOW FOR OUR 2026 COHORTS! Scroll down for information and applications The Autism Hiring Program advances workplace neurodiversity and acceptance, connecting businesses to an untapped workforce of skilled Autistic adults and targeting jobseekers not supported by existing systems.

Created in 2021 by the Autism Society of Maryland, it addresses the needs of Autistic adults who have high level, marketable skills but have struggled to secure and maintain desirable employment. On the business side, it connects employers to this competent, capable workforce, improving their bottom line while creating a more inclusive and neurodiverse work environment.

Impactful: The results translate into meaningful career opportunities for skilled workers, access to talented employees for businesses, and a more inclusive workforce! The need: The need for this program and others like it is massive with 700,000+ Autistic individuals transitioning into adulthood in the U.S. in the next decade.

However, the overall rate of unemployment for those with Autism remains higher than those with other disabilities. And 85% of college grads affected by Autism are unemployed or under employed. Focus on the individual: Our candidates are high school graduates with certifications, some college or college degrees.

They engage in a 10-week program of group and individual sessions designed to build independence, social and essential workplace skills, assessing interests and encouraging self advocacy. We focus on the person with the goal of securing employment that fits candidates’ skills sets and interests. Ongoing peer support meetings are an essential piece of the program.

Supports for employers: The Autism Hiring Program engages employers to ensure a good fit for candidates AND add to their bottom line. We provide training for managers and staff on Autism, neurodiversity, ADA compliance, inclusivity, and natural supports, creating a sustainable system through which they can hire and retain great candidates.

Modeled on hiring programs run by large corporations, it’s a great fit for those who could not or would not create a hiring program on their own. Learn more: Interested in joining us as a Candidate or an Employer? Contact Linda Hoyt at linda.

hoyt@autismsocietymd. org or call 410-290-3466, ext. 7699.

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT OUR WORK! The Autism Hiring Program is an initiative of the Autism Society of Maryland .

Support and partnership have been provided by the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation , Howard County Office of Workforce Development , WorkSource Montgomery , U.S. Department of Labor through a 2023 Community Project Funding /Congressionally-Directed Spending Grant , Arbor Dog Foundation, Gula Tech Foundation , and many individual and corporate supporters.

The Autism Society of Maryland is federally funded with $440,000 over two years (27. 5%percent). Additionally, $1,160,000 (72.

5% percent) is financed by non-federal sources. CANDIDATES: Interested in applying?! The ideal candidate for this program is someone who comes to it with an open mind, is committed to their own success, and whose ultimate goal is to find and sustain meaningful employment.

Other requirements: High school degree/GED, certifications, some college and/or college degree(s) Not currently receiving services from DDA, DORS, an agency, or employment specialist Able to attend weekly peer group and 1:1 sessions independently with our staff virtually and in person Responsive to requests from our staff to schedule meetings, coaching sessions, interviews, trainings NOTE on RESIDENCY: Please check residency requirements for each program location.

CLICK HERE for our Veterans Priority Policy. Please visit our EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES for open positions.

For residents of Montgomery County Deadline for Applications Deadline for Applications Deadline for Applications For residents of Howard County, MD and the surrounding counties Deadline for Applications Deadline for Applications Deadline for Applications For residents of Anne Arundel County Deadline for Applications Deadline for Applications Deadline for Applications For residents of Baltimore County and Baltimore City The Autism Hiring Program is an initiative of the Autism Society of Maryland.

The expansion of the program to Towson University and the Hussman Center for Adults With Autism is funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s Employment and Training Administration. Deadline for Applications Deadline for Applications EMPLOYERS: Looking for great candidates?! We are actively seeking employers interested in partnering with us to build their workforce!

Our candidates are currently working in the fields of Cyber/IT, Retail, Administration, Recreation, Engineering, Warehouse, Hospitality, Security, Manufacturing, among others. We provide training on Neurodiversity in the Workplace for your Team, led by experienced professionals Once a candidate is placed with your organization, we are available to provide support throughout the onboarding process and beyond!

For more information, email Linda Hoyt at linda. hoyt@autismsocietymd.

org BTU —Partnerships at Work for Greater Baltimore 2025 Partnership Award 2025 Anne Arundel County Accessibility Award Runner-Up for 2023 Gula Tech Foundation Summer 2023 Competitive Grant Program Recipient of 2023 Community Project (CP) Funding / Congressional Directed Spending grant funds 2022 Provider of the Year, Maryland Works Finalist for the 2021 Innovation Fund Grant from The Workers Lab At AHP, events are an important way we connect, learn, and support one another.

Throughout the year, we participate in, host, and co-host a wide range of events designed to inform, empower, and bring our community together. Our events include educational workshops and webinars, community gatherings, and collaborative programs with partners who share our commitment to supporting autistic individuals and their families.

Each event is planned with care, offering clear information, welcoming spaces, and opportunities to engage in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful. For more information, email Linda Hoyt at linda. hoyt@autismsocietymd.

org Different Brains, Stronger Teams: Inclusive Hiring for Today’s Workforce Member Fee: $50 Non Member Fee: $100 Unlock the power of diversity and discover how inclusive hiring can transform your organization. In today’s fast-changing workplace, teams are stronger when they reflect the full spectrum of human talent. Join Zosia Zaks, Ph.

D. – Zaks Autism Consulting and Linda Hoyt – Autism Society of Maryland for an inspiring and practical session that blends real-world insights with actionable strategies. Leave with tools to recruit and support neurodiverse and differently abled candidates, foster a culture of belonging, and buildresilient teams ready to meet the challenges of today—and tomorrow.

Rates of diagnosis for autism spectrum disorders have risen to 1 in 36 children in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . In Maryland the rate is 1 in 43, according to the Autism Society of Maryland . April is Autism Acceptance Month, and WTOP is celebrating a Maryland organization helping autistic adults find success in the workplace.

Melissa Rosenberg, executive director of the Autism Society of Maryland, said that 30 years ago when parents of young children who didn’t know much about autism started the group, they spent time educating themselves and advocating for their children. Now those children are adults who, Rosenberg said, have a lot of need as they transition into adulthood, especially when it comes to jobs and education.

“It’s really a life span of services that are needed,” she told WTOP. The society’s Autism Hiring Program , now in its fourth year, helps adults on the spectrum find jobs working in Howard, Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties, with the support of their workforce centers.

Kristen Letnick, resource coordinator for the Autism Society of Maryland, said the group works with small groups “so that the individuals can get more of that one-on-one individualized attention that a lot of people on the spectrum end up needing, especially when it comes to things like interviewing.

” Rosenberg said the program has been very successful and people are working in a variety of fields: “IT, cyber, but also hospitality and retail” and that the group acknowledges that people on the spectrum “can go to college, and go into apprenticeships, and go into the workplace. ” The Autism Society of Maryland is part of the Autism Society of America, located in Rockville.

It’s a network of 70 affiliate groups around the country that connect and empower autistic people of all ages and their families, with resources so that they can “live fully.

” Autism Hiring Program Receives $440,000 in Congressional Funding On July 25, 2023, the Autism Society welcomed Senator Ben Cardin, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Congressman John Sarbanes joined us for a discussion on Neurodiversity in Maryland’s Workplace and recognition of a $440,000 FY23 Community Project Award for the Autism Hiring Program!

Funds provided will help to sustain and grow the project, including expansion to a new site in partnership with Towson University’s Hussman Center for Adults with Autism . We are grateful for the incredible support of these three elected officials, distinguished guests that included Sec.

Carol Beatty from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration and Howard County Council Member Cristiana Rigby, Towson University Interim President Melanie Perreault, PhD, as well as our partners, supporters and guests who joined us for the event.

Autism Hiring Program Receives $440,000 in Congressional Funding On July 25, 2023, the Autism Society welcomed Senator Ben Cardin, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Congressman John Sarbanes joined us for a discussion on Neurodiversity in Maryland’s Workplace and recognition of a $440,000 FY23 Community Project Award for the Autism Hiring Program!

Funds provided will help to sustain and grow the project, including expansion to a new site in partnership with Towson University’s Hussman Center for Adults with Autism . We are grateful for the incredible support of these three elected officials, distinguished guests that included Sec.

Carol Beatty from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration and Howard County Council Member Cristiana Rigby, Towson University Interim President Melanie Perreault, PhD, as well as our partners, supporters and guests who joined us for the event. Autism Hiring Program Awarded $100,000 Workforce Recovery Network Grant The Autism Society of Maryland has been awarded a $100,000 Workforce Recovery Network 2.

0 grant from WorkSource Montgomery to expand its Autism Hiring Program to Montgomery County, MD starting in 2023. Funding will support three cohorts of candidates, all Montgomery County residents, in the spring, summer and fall. Applications for the first Montgomery County cohort are being accepted through February 21, 2023.

Additional sessions will continue for residents of Howard County and the surrounding areas in mid-Maryland. Autism Hiring Program Recognized as Provider of the Year The Autism Hiring Program was recognized as “Provider of the Year” by Maryland Works at its Annual Employment Awards Luncheon on November 22, 2022 at the BWI Marriott Hotel.

Thank you to Maryland Works for this honor and to our partner organizations, employers, candidates and donors for their ongoing support of the program! AHP in the News on Fox-45 Baltimore “Local Organization Works to Connect Employers to Adults With Autism” AHP Receives $75,000 Grant from Howard County! The Autism Hiring Program has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Howard County Government!

Thank you to County Executive Calvin Ball and his staff, Fran Trout from Howard County Office of Workforce Development, our incredible AHP team, Accessible Resources for Independence, a growing pipeline of employers, and, most importantly, our amazing candidates! Link to the announcement can be found at: https://www. howardcountymd.

gov/News072122c Thank you for supporting our first BIKE TO THE BEACH ride on July 29! Over $7,500 raised for the Autism Hiring Program! The Business Monthly (June 2022): Read about The Autism Hiring Program in June issue!

The Autism Hiring Program (page 9) Autism Hiring Program a Finalist for the 2021 Innovation Fund Grant from The Workers Lab! The Autism Society of Maryland was honored to have been among the finalists for the 2021 Innovation Fund at The Workers Lab for our Autism Hiring Program! Out of 400 applicants nationwide, 12 were selected to compete for six $150,000 awards; six were selected.

While we were not among those selected this year, we were grateful for the opportunity to participate and salute all of the finalists! About The Workers Lab Three AHP Employers recognized by the Howard County Commission on Disabilities.

Congratulations to Pete Pappas & Sons Inc. , Clarks Ace Hardware-Ellicott City , and Accessible Resources for Independence , three of our AUSOM Autism Hiring Program Partners, who were recognized on October 19, 2022 by the Howard County Commission on Disabilities.

The commission honored employers who value diversity and provide equal opportunities for employees with disabilities during the Commission’s 2022 Employer Awards ceremony in Elkridge, MD. Clarks Hardware was recognized for its efforts to build an inclusive workforce. Pete Pappas and Sons received the Large For-Profit Award.

ARI received the Small Non-Profit Award for leading by example as an employer. Congratulations to all of the winners! Click below for the complete list of recipients.

https://www. howardcountymd. gov/News101922… TESTIMONIALS: The Autism Hiring Program positively impacts our candidates and employers, but also our staff, partners and family members.

Here’s what they are saying: ”This one step, which in some ways seems like a small step, is the one that will enable my son to make all his dreams come true and, for our family, we’re just so happy for him. ” -Parent of Candidate “I can’t think of any other program I’ve been prouder to be part of. ” – Staff Member “COVID has had a disproportionately devastating impact on the lives of people with disabilities like autism.

As we as a nation seek to “build back better,” the Autism Hiring Project and programs like it help ensure that people with disabilities are provided the unique supports they need to secure meaningful employment. ” – Katie Collins-Ihrke, MBA, MS, Executive Director, Accessible Resources for Independence “It’s all about communicating expectations and giving everyone the opportunity to succeed.

” -William Lowe, Owner, Rathskeller, AHP Employer “UMBC Training Centers has been a committed partner with AUSOM in the planning, launch and first year of operations of the Autism Hiring Project. We specifically provided career guidance and technical training services for participants of the program.

We have been pleased to play such a role with this important project, which has generated positive outcomes for its first cohort of participants. ” -Brent Campbell, Head of Admissions for Workforce Training Programs, UMBC Training Centers “Programs like the Autism Hiring Project must be carefully designed to provide customized supports for individuals with different assets, traits, and challenges.

They can be difficult to launch, operate and fund, which is why the initial success experienced by the Autism Hiring Project has been so gratifying and encouraging. ” -Francine Trout, Director, Howard County Office of Workforce Development “The discussions were fun. Kelly provided opportunities and perspectives that were very helpful.

” -Candidate “I’m certainly optimistic. And I have someone I can email when I have concerns on the job . ” – Candidate “We are thrilled to partner with the Autism Society of Maryland to expand their Autism Hiring Program for Montgomery County residents.

In such a tight labor market where the number of jobs double the number of jobseekers, it’s critical that employers tap into untapped talent pipelines—and we know that with the proper support, skilled Autistic adults can meet the talent needs of many local and regional employer partners. We’re looking forward to a longstanding partnership with the Autism Society of Maryland to increase employment supports for Autistic adults.

” -Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director for WorkSource Montgomery. “Hello, great news. Today, I interviewed for a warranty processor position at Re Michel in Glen Burnie and was offered the job.

I start working with Re Michel on April 12 for a good salary. Thank you for the Howard County Autism Hiring program because it taught me how to write a resume and interview for the job. I look forward to telling how things are going on at Re Michel from time to time.

“ -Candidate I am the mother of a 30-year old son who participated in the Autism Hiring Program. The Autism Hiring Program resulted in his achieving the type of employment that he has long desired and that will allow him to develop both professionally and personally. He, I, and his father are very grateful that this program was available.