Research Intern – Autism & Disability Employment Landscape

Autism Speaks is seeking a motivated, detail‑oriented Research Intern to support a summer project mapping the national landscape of nonprofit and for‑profit organizations focused on autism and disability employment.  

This is a 10–12-week remote program and students must be eligible for academic credit. This is an opportunity for an individual to gain valuable hands‑on experience with applied research, strategic analysis, and nonprofit innovation. 

This individual will work from home and can be located anywhere in the country.

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  Identify nonprofit and for‑profit organizations nationwide focused on autism and disability employment 

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  Collect and summarize publicly available information, including mission, geographic reach, service models, and employment partners 

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  Document organizational scale where available (e.g., revenue, staff size, operational assets) 

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  Capture information on populations served and employment models 

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  Gather publicly reported outcomes and indicators of success 

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  Organize findings into a structured, searchable database 

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  Provide a summary of high‑level observations or trends 

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  Use AI‑enabled research tools to support efficiency, applying critical thinking and validating outputs against primary or authoritative sources 

• Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student  

• Eligible to receive academic credit  

• Commitment to a schedule of 20 – 24 hours per week  

• Experience using AI‑enabled research tools  

• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to take initiative 

• Strong research and analytical skills 

• Comfortable with spreadsheets, databases, and digital tools 

• Interest in disability employment or workforce innovation is preferred  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications  

• Exposure to national‑level strategy and field‑building work 

• Meaningful contribution to autism employment initiatives 

• Interaction with senior leaders 

• A tangible work product that may inform future partnerships and programs  

You are responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of all Autism Speaks Inc. data and information to which you have access.