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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorder in children. Adults with ASD have some of the poorest employment outcomes in comparison to others with disabilities. While data in Canada is limited, roughly 25 per cent of Americans living with ASD are employed and no more than six per cent are competitively employed. Most earn less than the national minimum hourly wage, endure extended periods of joblessness and frequently shuffle between positions, further diminishing their prospects. Poor employment outcomes result in lower quality of life and often lead to steep economic costs. Governments are wise to pay attention to the poor employment outcomes as the high numbers of children now diagnosed with ASD will become adults in the future in need of employment opportunities. Improving employment outcomes for those living with ASD is an important policy objective. Work opportunities improve quality of life, economic independence, social integration, and ultimately benefit all. Adults with ASD can succeed with the right supports. Fortunately, there are many emerging policy and program options that demonstrate success. This paper conducts a review of studies and provides policy recommendations based on the literature, to help governments identify appropriate policy options. Some key factors are both those that are unique to the individual and the external supports available; namely school, work, and family. For example, factors that contribute to successful employment for people living with ASD may include IQ, social skills and self-determination, but for all, even for the less advantaged, external assistance from schools, employers and family can help. Inclusive special education programs in high school that offer work experiences are critical as are knowledgeable employers who can provide the right types of accommodation and leadership. In the work environment the use of vocational and rehabilitative supports, from job coaching to technology-mediated training are a few of the work related factors that enhance success. Information in this paper provides policy makers with a way to move forward and enhance the current employment situation for those living with ASD ultimately improving quality of life and economic independence.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorder in children. Adults with ASD have some of the poorest employment outcomes in comparison to others with disabilities. While data in Canada is limited, roughly 25 per cent of Americans living with ASD are employed and no more than six per cent are competitively employed. Most earn less than the national minimum hourly wage, endure extended periods of joblessness and frequently shuffle between positions, further diminishing their prospects. Poor employment outcomes result in lower quality of life and often lead to steep economic costs. Governments are wise to pay attention to the poor employment outcomes as the high numbers of children now diagnosed with ASD will become adults in the future in need of employment opportunities. Improving employment outcomes for those living with ASD is an important policy objective. Work opportunities improve quality of life, economic independence, social integration, and ultimately benefit all. Adults with ASD can succeed with the right supports. Fortunately, there are many emerging policy and program options that demonstrate success. This paper conducts a review of studies and provides policy recommendations based on the literature, to help governments identify appropriate policy options. Some key factors are both those that are unique to the individual and the external supports available; namely school, work, and family. For example, factors that contribute to successful employment for people living with ASD may include IQ, social skills and self-determination, but for all, even for the less advantaged, external assistance from schools, employers and family can help. Inclusive special education programs in high school that offer work experiences are critical as are knowledgeable employers who can provide the right types of accommodation and leadership. In the work environment the use of vocational and rehabilitative supports, from job coaching to technology-mediated training are a few of the work related factors that enhance success. Information in this paper provides policy makers with a way to move forward and enhance the current employment situation for those living with ASD ultimately improving quality of life and economic independence.

Summary This qualitative study examined the COVID-19 pandemic as experienced by healthcare-based social workers in relation to practice, and personal and professional impacts of providing care in this context, with recommendations for pandemic preparedness and response. A total of 12 focus groups were convened between June 2020 and March 2021, comprising 67 hospital social workers across multiple hospitals and other care facilities in western Canada. Findings Based on an Interpretive Description approach, themes emerged reflecting practice shifts; increased work and changing roles; imposed restrictions; problems in communication and decision-making; distress, fear, and demoralization; and co-existing silver linings amid challenges. Applications The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted social workers and their delivery of service. Addressing concerns through proactive responsiveness, both during and beyond the pandemic, are important in nurturing patient-centered care and a supported workforce. Along with that of interdisciplinary colleagues in health care, social workers' practice has been profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the experiences of social workers in healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AbstractSocial service workers' experiences of violence from service users (client-engaged violence) in social service workplaces are serious and pervasive issues that demand responsive and effective organisational interventions. However, organisational factors and characteristics that have an effect on worker experiences of client-engaged violence are poorly defined. This study utilised a quantitative design to identify and measure aspects of the organisation that prevent client-engaged violence and support workers in building healthy and safe workplaces. Participants (n = 1,574) from various publicly administered social services departments were surveyed to assess the effect of 'workload' (workload quality); 'supervisory dynamics' (equality, involvement, support and attentiveness); 'team dynamics' (intrapersonal team functioning and interpersonal team functioning) and 'workplace safety culture' (workplace safety values) on direct and indirect experiences of client-engaged violence. Results from multivariate analysis show that workload characteristics and organisational cultural values of workplace safety had a significant effect on worker experiences of client-engaged violence. The results highlight the importance of creating organisational policies and procedures that support workers in managing workloads and promoting a culture of safety within the work setting.

Workplace cultures are an important component in creating safe work environments. In-depth qualitative interviews ( n = 85) were conducted with human service workers of a large publicly administered human service organization in Canada to learn more about the organizational and/or workplace conditions that contribute to a safety culture. Findings reveal that a safety culture within this human service workplace is defined by values or attitudes associated with safety and structured mechanisms that help promote workplace safety. Insights from respondents help to identify areas for workplace and organizational development to promote health and safety within human service workplaces.