Thinking differently works: understanding the essential elements for the success of a competitive integrated employment program developed for persons with autism spectrum conditions

High rates of unemployment and underemployment among persons with an autism spectrum condition (ASC) require attention. Studies call for broadening the horizon and concentrating on contextual factors and a neurodiversity approach rather than focusing on intrinsic deficits of people on the spectrum. In this study we aimed to gain an understanding of what elements are essential to the high success rate of a competitive integrated employment approach developed by a social enterprise in the Netherlands, in finding sustainable employment in the field of information technology (IT) for persons with an ASC and an average to high intelligence who can read, write, and speak without difficulty. An explorative qualitative study design was employed including three focus-group discussions and 22 in-depth interviews with 20 ITvitae employees, students and parents, employers and other stakeholders in the program. Questions were focused on eliciting the factors crucial to making the approach work. The social enterprise works as a mediator in the field of IT. The findings address the strengths-based philosophy, combined with an integrated, multistakeholder approach, that makes the intervention work. A win-win revenue model helps to create successful matches with IT market, while keeping the social enterprise sustainable. This study helps fill the current gap in literature about strength-based, integrated approaches to improve employment among people on the spectrum. We discuss the lessons that can be drawn from this example.