This blog post is an updated response to Ask an autism researcher questions from 2016.
My son completed high school last year but was only recently been [diagnosed as Autistic]. He has absolutely no idea what to do next. University does not seem an option. Any suggestions?
It’s not uncommon to feel unsure about what to do next after receiving an autism diagnosis, especially when it happens after high school. You’re not alone—many families face similar challenges when trying to find the best path forward. There are several alternatives to university, and support can help him find fulfilling work and build the skills he needs to succeed at his own goals.
Understanding the Australian employment landscape
The employment rate for Autistic people in Australia is estimated to be only 27% which is much lower than for individuals with other disabilities (53%) or those without a disability (84%; ABS, 2018), highlighting the importance of accessible and targeted support to help young Autistic people transition from school to meaningful work.
Our research, through the Longitudinal Study of Autistic Australian School Leavers (SASLA, funded by the Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism), has given us critical insights into these challenges. For example, many Autistic Australian school leavers lack knowledge about available support services – 63% of Autistic participants in the SASLA study were unaware of after-school programs, and 34% had no knowledge of disability supports available at TAFE or universities. We also found that, compared to their non-Autistic peers, Autistic youth are just as likely to pursue higher education, though many choose technical and further education (TAFE) over university. However, they tend to work fewer hours and are less likely to be engaged in work and study simultaneously (Flower el al., 2020).
Key Insights from Our Research
Through preliminary investigations of SASLA data (published in our final report), we’ve identified several trends over time:
- nearly 50% of Autistic youth who were not working or studying at the beginning of our study were still not engaged in work or education two years later
- those who were studying at the start of the study saw a significant drop in study participation after two years
- most Autistic youth employed at the beginning of the study remained employed two years later, though many were working fewer hours than their peers.
To sum up, while Autistic young people may face challenges, consistent and targeted support may improve their long-term employment and educational outcomes.
Practical steps to consider
Here are some suggestions you can explore to help guide your son towards the next stage of his journey:
- Reach out to autism support organisations: One of the first steps you can take is to connect with a local autism support organisation in your state. Autism Connect, run by AMAZE, is a great resource that offers information, support, and guidance for families navigating life post-diagnosis. Anyone in Australia can use this service.
- Career counselling: A career counsellor can provide valuable advice on work options matching your son’s interests and skills. For example, community members in Victoria can visit Skills and Jobs Centres, which offer free career, employment, and training support services. A psychologist with experience in exploring career options can also be helpful.
- The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): may be an option depending on the support needs of your son. If eligible, the NDIS provides support to access applicable supports for skills, jobs, or volunteering in the community.
- Register with Centrelink for support: They can provide career counselling to help work out what he may want to do, and to get a job. (He needs a Centrelink number).
- Consider TAFE or vocational training: TAFE offers many certificate programs focused on work readiness, which could be a good fit for your son. Many TAFE advisors can assist with finding courses that match his interests and strengths. In addition, you might find the Neurodiversity Hub website – co-developed in partnership with OTARC researchers – particularly useful as it provides resources specifically for Autistic students, their families, and educators in tertiary education settings.
- Look into Specialised Employment Programs: The Dandelion Program is a special training and employment program for Autistic adults.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and it may take time to find the right path. What’s most important is that your son feels supported and empowered to explore different avenues.
The research in this blog post has been used extensively to provide expert advice to government:
- Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System – 2019
- Select Committee on Autism – 2020
- Education and Employment Legislation Committee: Comment on the Higher Education Support Amendment (Job-Ready Graduates and Supporting Regional and Remote Students) Bill 2020
- Access to TAFE for learners with a disability Victoria, Australia – 2020
- Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention – 2021
Originally published December 2016
