Desbloquear Potenciais: Um Modelo Organizacional para a Criação da Ponte entre Jovens com Autismo de Alto Funcionamento e o Mercado de Trabalho

Abstract

High Functioning Autism refers to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder who present difficulties with social interactions and communication, but usually reveal cognitive skills that are often underutilized. Difficulties in understanding social conventions and expressing emotions in a traditional way can be an impediment to an effective social and professional integration. The scope of this dissertation project focuses on the creation of an organization named VIA-VERDE AF: Linkage and Active Integration: Valuing, Referring, Redefining and Developing Employability for High-Functioning Autistics. This organization, through an autonomous and sustainable structure, aims to identify and match young people with high functioning autism, whilst offering support for their needs and soft-skills for the adoption of the employment opportunities made available through our partners. We intend to highlight the need for a personalized intervention that recognizes and values ​​neurodiversity, providing inclusive work environments adapted to the specific needs of this group. To this end, an operational model is proposed that is based on collaboration between various interested parties, including public institutions, health professionals, social workers, hospitals, city councils and companies. This project is based on examples of other successful organizations at an international level, differing especially in terms of monitoring, structuring and follow-up. The organization intends to use existing structures at national level, in the areas of training and knowledge dissemination and focus its approach on the follow-up of young people with high-functioning autism. In order to validate the options of the proposed model, a pilot project is presented to be applied in the Autism Spectrum Disorders Unit of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João.