Testimonials
Every year at least 300,000 young people with autism and related disabilities age into what should be the workforce. Despite the fact that most want to work, the majority don’t get jobs. This costs them dignity and income of work, while it robs employers and others of the benefits of their many talents. I’m so proud to be a part of Joanne and Susan’s Autism Works Now program which provides young adults with autism the tools and skills they need to reach their employment goals. Joanne Lara and Susan Osborne are dedicated to spreading the word about creating job opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum and do a great job educating potential employers of the benefits of hiring our young adults
- Julie Wedeen, Board Member, Autism Movement Therapy/Autism Works Now
The Autism Works Now book has lots of advice on practical skills that students with ASD need to be taught.
Temple Grandin, PhD
Employing a strength based approach the authors combine concepts of engaging deep interests with practical strategies for finding and keeping a job. A great step forward in making fulfilling and productive employment for autistic individuals the rule rather than the exception.
Stephen M. Shore
Ed.D. Internationally known educator, consultant, presenter, and author on issues related to the autism spectrum
With this book, Joanne Lara and Susan Osborne present a comprehensive curriculum to prepare students affected by autism spectrum disorder to transition from school to employment. This interactive resource is an essential guide for teachers and caregivers working with young people to develop the necessary skills for getting and keeping a job.
Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh
CEO, Center for Autism & Related Disorders (C.A.R.D.)
Autism Works Now develops the skill set that our youth need in order to compete in the job force with dignity!
Matt Asner
Parent, advocate, Autism Society of America VP
This is a much-needed resource that fills the gap in this country’s school-to-job programs!
Areva Martin
Esq., President, Special Needs Network, USA
With an estimated 50,000 kids with autism reaching adulthood in the U.S. each year, thank you Joanne Lara and Susan Osborne for creating an innovative program to prepare these young adults for employment. With the help of Autism Works Now, they will reach their full potential and lead independent, productive, meaningful lives. Hallelujah!
Yudi Bennett
Co-Founder, Foothill Autism Alliance & Exceptional Minds
Joanne Lara and Susan Osborne raise thought-provoking questions and unpack ideas relating to how we are preparing our students on the autism spectrum for life after high school. With this book, they lay the groundwork for educators and families who are helping young people develop the tools they need to work and live in the 21st Century.
Dan Phillips
Transition Specialist, Culver City Unified School District, California
Joanne Lara & Susan Osborne have created a comprehensive work readiness program with Autism Works Now and their Workplace Readiness Workshop. With this valuable resource, many individuals with autism will gain the ability to get and keep meaningful employment so they can go on to become valued members of their communities.
Alex Plank
Autism Advocate and Founder, WrongPlanet.net
This is the quintessential handbook for every teenager and young adult on the autism spectrum and their employers! It’s a fabulous guide to making certain individuals with autism are successful in their careers and job search. Exactly what we need right now.
Susan Corwin
Parent/Advocate
Being part of Autism Works Now makes me feel more positive about the future and possibilities to help me reach my goals. That makes me happy.
Zachary Inkeles
Author and artist, Autism Works Now, Los Angeles, candidate
Brilliant! Autism Works Now is essential reading for autism parents, educators, and self-advocates. Joanne Lara and Susan Osbourne have created the road map to successful employment in today’s job market and –spoiler alert – preparation begins earlier than we were previously told! As an autism parent I am exceptionally grateful for this amazing tool. The work force needs these amazing, talented individuals, and they deserve the dignity and empowerment that comes with gainful employment!
Shannon Penrod
Host of “Autism Live; “Producer of “Autism in the Classroom”
Being part of Autism Works Now makes me feel more positive about the future and possibilities to help me reach my goals. That makes me happy.
Zachary Inkeles
Autism Works Now Candidate, author & artist
Autism Works Now fills a much-needed void in the autism community ~ teaching pre-employment skill sets required for employment!
Gina Rugolo - Parent
Rugolo Entertainment
Autism Works Now is a favorite cause for celebrities, philanthropists and businesses who donate their time, money and talents to help create opportunities for those on the spectrum seeking an opportunity to work and thrive. Our deep appreciation to:
- Paul McCartney
- Tony Bennett
- Justin Bieber
- Diana Ross
- Paul Wee
- 20th Century Fox
- Matt Groening
- Tommy Lasorda
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Jeanie Buss
- Alan Dershowitz, Esq
- Sting
- Bill Maher
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Larry David
- Conan O'Brien
- Andrea Bocelli
- Andy Cohen
- Temple Grandin
- Priscilla Presley
- Larry King
- Lorne Michaels Jeff Probst
- Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest)
- Lionel Richie
- Jake Gyllenhaal
- Gloria Estefan
- Mr. & Ms. Donald Rumsfeld Family Fund
- The Susan Zirkl Z.L Memorial Charitable Foundation
- Crane Fund for Widows and Children
- Joe and Arlene Mantegna
- Billy Joel
- Glenn Close
- Celine Dion
- Vanilla Ice
- James Corden
- Adam Levine
- Johnny Hon







