Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there tax credits associated with hiring people with autism?
Yes! Tax credits for employers include:
- Disabled Access Credit (sometimes referred to as the Small Business Tax Credit) -- A credit of up to $5,000 per year for small businesses that incur expenditures for accommodations that give individuals with disabilities (including autism) access to jobs. 50% credit for expenditures between $250 and $10,250.
- Architectural/Transportation Tax Deduction -- Up to $15,000 per year
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit -- Federal tax credit reducing employers’ federal income tax liability by as much as $2,400 per qualified new worker
Please consult your tax professional to learn how these programs apply to your unique business.
- Will the employer see a return on investment for hiring an employee with autism?
Customers with disabilities and their families, friends, and associates represent a $3 TRILLION market segment. In addition, Gen Z and Millennials expect companies to build inclusive culture. According to Gallup research, this affects their career and spending decisions more than it did for any previous generation.
By building an inclusive workforce that includes employees with autism, you show this large market that you share their value of people with all abilities.
- What strengths or skills do people with autism bring to the workplace? People with autism tend to have strong attention to detail, honesty, reliability, focus, creativity, and in-depth knowledge of specialized skills.
- What is the turnover rate for employees with autism compared to neurotypical employees? Research shows only an 8% turnover rate for individuals with disabilities compared to 45% for those without disabilities.
- Does the employer have to create a position specifically for an employee with autism? No, our training program and services help employers fill open positions.
- Is there a required timeline by which an employee with autism needs to be hired? No, there is no required deadline for hiring an employee with autism. You determine hire dates based on your business needs.
- Am I required to hire a specific number of employees with autism? No, there is no minimum or maximum number of employees with autism to be hired. You determine the number of new hires based on your business needs.