A recent SMU survey, Being.Me, led by Rosie Ching, SMU Principal Lecturer of Statistics, found that while an overwhelming majority believe people on the autism spectrum can succeed at work with the right support, far fewer are willing to hire them. It was also found that when it comes to relationships, only four in 10 would be comfortable having an autistic partner. In an interview with CNA, Ms Ching said there is a great gulf between those who believe these people on the spectrum can succeed with the right support and those who are willing to hire them. She said that in between is a chasm filled with a lot of uncertainty, because autism is a huge spectrum and the uncertainty about the condition is intimidating to some employers. On relationships, Ms Ching said that discomfort becomes a bigger phenomenon the closer autism comes to one’s life, but that we are all entitled to our own personal preferences. She added that caregivers need to be heard, as parents need to know who to call and what kind of help they can count on, especially respite services.