How self-employment can help autistic people avoid workplace challenges
Self-employment can help autistic individuals overcome barriers in traditional workplaces, such as sensory overload, discrimination, and inflexible work environments. Carmel Riley, an autistic entrepreneur, found success through founding her own consultancy, which aligns with the goals of Australia's first National Autism Strategy. The strategy emphasizes supporting self-employment to address the high unemployment rate among autistic people, which stands at 18.2 per cent.
- ▪The federal government's National Autism Strategy includes a commitment to improving self-employment opportunities for autistic people.
- ▪According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate for autistic people is 18.2 per cent, more than double the rate for people with disability.
- ▪Autistic individuals often face workplace challenges such as sensory overstimulation, lack of understanding, and inflexible arrangements, which self-employment can help mitigate.
- ▪Carmel Riley founded Consulting Reimagined Social Enterprise Group after realizing traditional workplaces did not suit her needs.
- ▪Matilda Riley, Carmel's neurodivergent daughter, runs a small arts and crafts business that allows her to work in a controlled, focused environment.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Self-employment can help autistic people avoid workplace barriersBy Danielle KutchelABC GippslandTopic:Autism Spectrum DisorderWed 29 Apr 2026 at 6:29amWed 29 Apr 2026 at 6:29amWed 29 Apr 2026 at 6:29amCarmel Riley is encouraging her daughter, Matilda, in her entrepreneurial endeavours. (ABC News: Danielle Kutchel)In short:The federal government's first National Autism Strategy includes a commitment to improving self-employment for people with autism.According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate for autistic people is 18.2 per cent.What's next?People with autism say self-employment can help autistic people overcome barriers of traditional employment.abc.net.au/news/autism-self-employment-helps-avoid-workplace-barriers/106587334Link copiedShareShare articleFor…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).