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Help Autism specialist in policies for the inclusion of people with autism in the labor market

This interview features Elvira, Autism Inclusion Policy Specialist at Help Autism, who provides a valuable insight into the inclusion of people with autism in the labor market. The discussion explores both relevant international statistics, including from the United States, where progress in the employment of people with autism is notable, and the situation in Romania, where the number of those employed is still low. Elvira underlines the difficulties at local level in terms of professional integration and the lack of clear data reflecting the real number of employed people with autism. In the interview, Elvira presents the procedures and programs implemented by Help Autism to support people with autism in finding and maintaining employment. The organization's pilot project for the employment of people with autism is described, which includes inclusion policies applied from the recruitment process. By creating an accessible recruitment environment, backed by professionals who provided confidence and support, Help Autism was able to reduce the barriers faced by candidates with autism. Elvira discusses Help Autism's efforts to make jobs more accessible by tailoring tasks to meet the specific needs of people with autism. She also highlights the importance of creating accessible job postings and implementing training programs for HR departments to help them work effectively and inclusively with employees with autism. This interview provides an overview of the impact that inclusion initiatives can have on the lives of people with autism and on organizations adopting progressive policies in this area.