Disclosing a diagnosis of FASD with an employer can help an adult with FASD to advocate their strengths and challenges in the workplace and allow appropriate accommodations and strategies to be put in place. This increases the likelihood of a positive employment experience, and retainment of employment.
A report by CANFASD, Supporting Employment in Individuals with FASD, found that although their employment path may not be a typical one, individuals with FASD are able to work successfully when job fit is appropriate, and relationships are nurtured. Strong protective factors include collaboration between the client, employer and any caregivers, to tailor to the needs of the individual and implement appropriate strategies.
Additional resources:
Disability Employment Services – DES can help people find employment and keep a job.
Kick Starting Your Child’s Career Journey – A guide for families of young people with Disability – A guide for Families of Young People with disability provides practical tips and information to help families plan constructively for their child’s future employment.
FASD and Employment – You can print this fact sheet and give it to your employer
FASD Justice Employment Program – An online educational resource developed by Patches Australia, produced to improve the employment outcomes for individuals with FASD. This resource provides tips, tools, and strategies, plus downloadable fact sheets to assist employment professionals, employers, and those within the justice workforce, to effectively support individuals with FASD as they transition out of the justice system into meaningful employment.