Employment services for autistic adults
Autism Queensland (AQ) supports autistic adults (18+) with the provision of bespoke employment programs, therapy services tailored to employment goals, and inclusion consultancy services for employers and workplaces.
Autistic adults seeking employment, whether exploring work for the first time or looking to find a career path that aligns with their interests and goals, can access tailored support from AQ. Working alongside our consultants or practitioners, participants develop personalised employment goals, build work-related skills, strengthen self-advocacy, and receive support to find and maintain meaningful employment.
In addition to supporting autistic adults directly,ย AQ also works with employers, managers, and businesses to help attract, recruit, support and retain neurodivergent employees.
Please note: Fees apply to AQ services. Service availability and offerings vary by location and waitlists may apply. Waitlists may close at any time without notice. As a registered provider of NDIS supports, NDIS funding may be used (if applicable). Cancellation policy and conditions apply, visit our policy page for full details.
Autism EmployABLE (fully-funded)
Commencing in 2020, Autism EmployABLE is in the third phase of AQโs participant-led, autism-specific employment access program, supporting autistic jobseekers aged 18โ30 in the Greater South-East Queensland region to who are exploring employment or looking to take their next steps towards meaningful work. Our consultants work alongside participants to discover interests, recognise strengths and skills, explore career possibilities, and develop employment goals.
Autism EmployABLE is designed for autistic adults who:
- Have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Are aged between 18 and 30 years.
- Are motivated to work and seeking a minimum of eight hours of paid employment per week in the open employment market.
- Have the right to work in Australia and live in the Great South-East Queensland region (including Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Redlands, and Ipswich regions).
As the Autism EmployABLE program approaches its funding conclusion in 2027, AQ is no longer accepting new enquiries for individual participant support. AQ encourages autistic adults to contact us to explore employment goal supports.
Enquiries from eligible businesses and employers interested in developing more inclusive workplaces and employment opportunities for autistic people are still currently being accepted. Click the button below to learn more.
This service is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing.
Explore employment goals through therapy services
AQ offers a range of therapy services and individualised supports for autistic adults to explore their employment interests, develop work-related skills, and build confidence, independence, and workforce readiness.
Through person-centred and strengths-based occupational therapy, speech pathology, or psychology, our practitioners can support goals such as workplace communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and everyday skills that support participation in employment and within the community.
Additionally, through our targeted, individualised transition and inclusion supports, our consultantsย can assist autistic adults prepare to enter employment, navigate changes in their work journey, or develop skills for new environments and experiences. Together we can identify and address barriers to participation, and create more accessible, supportive, and inclusive environments.
Inclusive solutions & consultancy for employers
Neurodivergent people bring valuable skills, perspectives and strengths to the workforce. AQ partners with employers and employees to create more inclusive workplaces where neurodivergent people are supported to contribute, develop, and thrive.
Drawing on our specialist expertise in autism and neurodiversity, we provide practical advice, tailored strategies, and ongoing support to help organisations attract, recruit, support and retain neurodivergent employees. Whether youโre looking to improve recruitment practices, support an existing employee, or build a more neuro-inclusive workplace culture.
To learn more about these supports, contact us.
Past employment collaborations & projects
Autism Queensland has delivered a range of collaborative initiatives, bespoke consultancy engagements, and funded projects in partnership with government, research institutions, community organisations, businesses, and other stakeholders. While these projects have now concluded, their impact continues through the knowledge, resources, and outcomes they have helped create. They reflect our commitment to meaningful collaboration, sharing knowledge, and driving lasting, positive change to empower autistic people to reach their potential.
What Works At Work Consultation (2025)
What Works At Work? Shaping Employment Futures was an AQ consultation project conducted in 2025, inviting autistic Queenslanders aged 18 and over, and parents and carers of autistic adults, to share their experiences of finding, securing and maintaining employment.
Through individual and small-group conversations, participants shared what helped, the barriers they experienced and what needed to change to create more inclusive employment opportunities. The project aimed to ensure the lived experiences of autistic people informed employment actions under the Australian Government’s National Autism Strategy, helping shape a more inclusive future for autistic people in the workforce.
This consultation concluded in 2025.
While the standalone consultation has ended, AQ continues to provide community education and learning opportunities, alongside consultancy services, and bespoke training packages for organisations to improve employment outcomes for autistic people. For more information about this project or current AQ services, please contact us.
This service was supported by La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC).
EmployREADY (2023-2024)
EmployREADY was an individualised employment support program launched by AQ in 2023 to help autistic adults work towards their NDIS employment goals. Working alongside an employment specialist, participants explored their strengths, interests, and career aspirations, developed work-related skills and gained exposure to different job roles and workplace environments. The program also connected participants with local businesses to help identify suitable employment and work experience opportunities.
This program concluded in 2024.
While the standalone program has ended, AQ continues to provide these supports through targeted employment goals in therapy supports, bespoke employment offerings, and consultancy services for employers.ย For more information about this project or current AQ services, please contact us.
Autism Queensland Limited (ABN 79 253 351 418) is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and a registered NDIS provider. Read more about our NDIS services and information, or view our ACNC charity registration. For NDIS-specific enquiries, visit the NDIS website or call the NDIS helpline on 1800 800 110.
