Breakthrough in Promoting Autistic Individuals in Society and the Workforce

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and sometimes heightened sensory sensitivity. Each person on the autism spectrum is unique—with their own dreams and desires, abilities and skills, interests and challenges. They deserve a place in society by right, not charity, as valuable community members.

Oti – the Israeli Autism Association operates from an egalitarian perspective with a deep understanding of the importance of realizing the rights of adult autistic individuals, whom the association views as an integral part of society. Understanding both the characteristics of the diagnosis and the strengths and challenges leads the association to develop services that provide opportunities in areas such as training, employment, leisure and cultural activities, support for integration into educational institutions, and more.

This work is supported by research showing that the integration of autistic individuals improves their quality of life while enhancing the sense of value and meaning for the entire community, serving as an engine for growth and community resilience.

In this spirit, Oti initiates various innovative programs offering adults professional training that allows autistic individuals to integrate into the open job market through employment guidance, online enrichment and leisure activities, and musical ensembles that welcome participants from across the country. The association conducts these activities in collaboration with business, governmental, and community organizations.

Adult Programs and Employment Integration Model

Keren Segal, M.S.W., Director of Adult Services and Treatment Centers at Oti, is an expert therapist and supervisor in the CBT approach with a master's degree in social work and 25 years of experience treating people with disabilities. "During the past eight years with Oti, I have had the privilege of developing the adult services division out of a desire to create a therapeutic continuum for children who have been treated in the association for decades as they reach adulthood. This enables them to fulfill their goals and objectives in various areas of life as equals in society and community," she shares.

The association conducted comprehensive research, including surveys and needs mapping of adults, aiming to find added value they could provide. "We identified a significant gap and lack of services that help adult autistic individuals integrate into society as independent people," explains Segal. "One of the central areas in every adult's life is employment, and we found that many autistic individuals can integrate into the open market but fail to do so for various reasons.

"From an approach that recognizes employment as an existential domain for a person in society—both from a productive economic perspective and as a critical component in building self-confidence, developing independence, and improving quality of life—we built a professional training model called 'The Two-Axis Model.' This includes work on the axis of acquiring professional knowledge and the axis of acquiring and improving life skills and developing job market-relevant skills.

"Seven years ago, we partnered with BDO Finance Academy and launched the 'From Computation to Integration' course—a unique training program in finance that provides autistic individuals with tools from financial management and prepares them for integration into finance-related positions in the job market.

"During the course, students learn financial concepts alongside life skills, soft skills, and tools for emotional regulation. At the end of the course, the program team helps them find suitable jobs and integrate into the open market. The course is recognized as a pre-rehabilitation program by the National Insurance Institute."

What do participants receive upon completing the course?

"Employment guidance for about six months, during which we help them find suitable work and successfully integrate into it. We are currently completing the sixth cycle of the program, with more than 90% success in placements."

One of the young people who successfully completed the course is Netanel Haim, 28, who works in an office providing outsourcing services for accounting.

How did the "From Computation to Integration" program prepare you for work integration?

"The program came at exactly the right time for me and was divided into two parts: one dealt with life skills, such as how to behave maturely, understand the working world, communicate effectively, and regulate emotions in different social situations. The second part included financial studies, with additional modules on computers, Excel, and other relevant tools. Through the course, I discovered my abilities in the financial field, which helped me understand that this is the direction I want to develop."

What challenges did you experience in transitioning to the job market?

"The main challenge for me was understanding social situations and knowing how to respond appropriately. The program taught me to pause, ask for help, regulate my responses, and not immediately voice my thoughts. Today, after two months at the new office, I feel much more comfortable and connected to the workplace."

What advice would you give to employers considering hiring autistic employees?

"I believe autistic individuals bring significant added value to the workplace. Our way of thinking is different, and we possess valuable qualities like precision, loyalty, and reliability. For example, if I make a mistake—I won't hide it but will immediately report it so it can be corrected."

Yael Glaber, Director of Training, Placement and Support at Oti, adds an important perspective: "Many autistic individuals work precisely and perform tasks thoroughly, continuously, and consistently, which can be advantageous in certain roles. In my experience, employers who hire autistic individuals gain reliable, focused, and dedicated workers. Despite many employers expressing satisfaction with the idea of employing autistic individuals, we still encounter significant difficulty finding suitable workplaces for them. It's important to understand that autistic individuals are an integral part of society, and their employment benefits both them and their employers. The more employers recognize their abilities, the more opportunities will open for them. Our goal is not only to train and support autistic individuals but also to transform social perception and create genuine opportunities for them to be part of society and community—by right, not charity."

Playing on the Spectrum: Music as a Universal Language

Music has border-crossing power, allowing autistic individuals to find self-expression and social connection. Oti established, in collaboration with the Israeli Conservatory of Music in Tel Aviv, the musical ensemble "Playing on the Spectrum," which has been active for four years.

"This is a musical ensemble of adults who meet weekly to sing and play together, and perform in various venues," notes Segal. "Each member of the ensemble is talented and unique, and together they create a connecting and empowering musical space that gives expression to every ensemble member. The ensemble is musically directed by Moshe Nir, who with professionalism and sensitivity has created a musical group of friends who enjoy being and creating together."

One of the participants in the "Playing on the Spectrum" ensemble is Daniel Bar Nisim Landau, 25, from Hod HaSharon, who says that music is an inseparable part of him.

How is this expressed?

"Music fills a central place in my life. I try to stay connected to it daily—playing, creating, listening. My first exposure to music was at age 10 or 11 when my dad would play songs for me in the car. That's how I fell in love with classic rock and bands like Queen. From there, it only developed further. I started playing piano and studied the instrument for many years. Later, I taught myself to play drums. In the last year, I've been learning to play bass guitar as well. I compose and record original works, and I play piano entirely by ear and memory since I don't know how to read sheet music."

How long have you been in the ensemble?

"Two and a half years now. I was looking for a framework with people like me, and then by chance I came across an ad on Facebook from Oti. Here I feel I can be myself. No one judges; everyone encourages and accepts each other. Everyone comes with their own difficulties, but the moment we play and sing together, something transformative happens that truly unifies us. During performances, we feel this connection most strongly, and the audience shares in our excitement."

What challenges do you face?

"Sometimes it's difficult for me to express myself verbally, as I feel that compared to others on the spectrum and neurotypical people, I speak too little. Through music, I can express myself without words. In performances, each of us chooses what to play—a cover or a personal piece. I always prefer to play my original compositions. Moshe, our musical director, encourages me to try new things, like singing. I always felt this was difficult for me, even embarrassing, but he encouraged me to try. The first time was challenging, but when I succeeded, I felt liberated. Today it's already much easier."

Do you feel the ensemble helps you in real life too?

"I definitely feel that the ensemble helps me communicate with others and be more open, as I'm naturally shy. The very experience of performing on stage and playing my own creations on piano before an audience who listened, applauded, and encouraged me greatly boosted my self-confidence, was incredibly validating, and helped me open up more."

Online Space for Enrichment and Leisure

Beyond employment and music, the association promotes a dynamic community offering enriching content and a space for active participation for adult autistic individuals and people with disabilities. "We discovered that one of the most lacking areas is leisure and enrichment," says Segal. "Accordingly, we developed 'It Interests Me,' an online program enabling participants to join lectures and workshops on various topics. This series of online workshops and lectures was launched during the outbreak of war, aiming to give participants a sense of belonging, a respite from harsh reality, and enrichment in various fields—and it received an enthusiastic response. The content is diverse and includes workshops on topics such as financial management, artificial intelligence, smartphone photography, and creative writing," explains Segal.
This activity continues today with diverse topics including artificial intelligence, personal financial management, photography workshops, relationships, philosophy, Chinese language, virtual tours in selected cities, physical activities, and even surfing. "Our community is growing, and we are delighted that many people are interested in the content we offer." Segal notes that in 2024, the association held lectures and workshops attended by 504 people. "We estimate there are between 11,000 and 13,000 adult autistic individuals in Israel, and the numbers are only increasing. Today we meet people who are diagnosed for the first time in adulthood," she adds.

Adar Yosefi, 23, a student of education at David Yellin College in Jerusalem, describes her experience with the association's Zoom lectures as positive and surprising. "I received an email inviting me to join the lectures, and I was very happy to register," she recalls.

What did you especially enjoy?

"I really enjoyed a virtual tour of Tel Aviv, where the lecturer presented photographs of different areas of the city. The lecture about the Beatles was also fascinating—we listened to songs and learned about their influence on the world of music. What I appreciated most was the peace it gave me amid the situation in the country, along with the opportunity to learn new things. There was another lecture about the dangers of social media that made me think twice before believing every article I read. I learned to check sources, verify information reliability, and read more critically."

Do you feel part of a community even in virtual lectures?

"I enjoy participating in the meetings and often see other people asking questions, but sometimes I'm still too shy to ask questions myself."

In collaboration with Oti — the Israeli Autism Association