North Carolina's LiNC-IT Program Empowers Autistic Professionals

Lead:

Governor Roy Cooper announced that LiNC-IT, an employment program for early career autistic professionals in North Carolina, has supported 100 individuals with autism spectrum disorder since its launch.

Why It Matters:

LiNC-IT addresses the employment challenges faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder, helping them find fulfilling careers that match their skills and interests. The program taps into the potential of neurodiverse individuals and highlights the benefits they bring to the workforce.

The Details:

• Autism spectrum disorder affects social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.

• North Carolina has a higher rate of identified autism cases compared to the national average.

• LiNC-IT was launched in 2018 by Governor Cooper and the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE).

• The program offers job coaching for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their managers.

• LiNC-IT has 44 employer partners from various industries and academic backgrounds.

• The program supports Governor Cooper's Executive Order 92: Employment First for North Carolinians with Disabilities.

• Harvard's Project on Workforce Development recognizes LiNC-IT as a model program with positive effects on organizational performance.

Conclusion:

LiNC-IT, North Carolina's employment program for early career autistic professionals, has successfully supported 100 individuals with autism spectrum disorder in finding meaningful careers. The program's model approach benefits both employers and individuals with autism, highlighting the importance of neurodiverse talent in the workforce.