Doors are opening for workers with autism

People with autism are typically underemployed or struggle finding work, despite being more than capable of doing the job. JPMorgan Chase is expanding its autism program.People with autism are typically underemployed or struggle finding work, despite being more than capable of doing the job. JPMorgan Chase is expanding its autism program.

More and more Delaware companies are seeking out people with autism because they're finding they have qualities — particularly their attention to detail and fierce loyalty — that make them high performing employees.

Statistics show that about 70 to 90 percent of people with autism in the U.S. are highly underemployed or unemployed. Katina Demetriou, director of Autism Delaware’s Productive Opportunities for Work & Recreation, said Delaware is at the forefront in terms of states looking at employing autistic people.

People with autism often have difficulty communicating and interacting with others, which can put them at a disadvantage during job interviews.

"We have individuals in their 20s, 30s or 40s who have never before had a meaningful career opportunity," said Ernie Dianastasis, CEO of The Precisionists, a Wilmington startup that helps employ people with disabilities.

"They've been tied up in parents' basements playing Xbox or really underemployed," he said. "People are starting to understand their strength and capabilities."

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