As the school year winds down, many students begin thinking about summer plans and the possibility of hunting for a part time job. Older children and adults with ASD may be interested in finding summer employment as well. In Dr. Temple Grandin's article,
Making the Transition from the World of School into the World of Work, she shares that "many successful people on the spectrum have turned an old fixation into the basis of a career," and that "freelance businesses which can work well for people with autism include piano tuner, motor repair and graphic arts." Individuals on the spectrum "need mentors who are computer programmers, artists, draftsmen, etc. to teach them career skills."
In another
article
written by Dr. Grandin, she states that she "cannot emphasize enough the importance of developing a talent area such as drafting, commercial art, custom cabinetwork, fixing cars or computer programming." She suggests that individuals on the spectrum who struggle with social interactions "need to make themselves so good that they are recognized for brilliant work. People respect talent," and that they must "sell their work instead of their personality. [She] showed [her] portfolio of pictures and blueprints to prospective customers. [She] never went to the personnel office. [She] went straight to the engineers and asked to do design jobs."
In "Understanding Autism for Dummies," Stephen Shore (2006, p. 288) suggests working with a job coach through vocational rehabilitation services, finding a mentor in your field of interest, or working with a social worker to offer guidance and support. Applying for a job can include submitting a portfolio of your work, networking by letting acquaintances know you're looking for work, and submitting cover letters and resumes to potential employers.
Dr. Shore continues, "Whatever method you choose, one thing remains consistent: Employers focus on hiring dependable workers who can independently complete a job after training. Some characteristics that come with autism are advantageous to meeting these employer goals" (p. 288). For example, strong visual motor skills and attention to detail are great strengths to emphasize. An "affinity for routine" and "less interest in socialization" (Shore, p. 288, 289) are examples of additional advantages you can offer to a prospective employer.
References:
Grandin, Temple. "Social Problems: Understanding Emotions and Developing Talents." Indiana University Bloomington. Web. 19 May 2016. <https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/Social-Problems-Understanding-Emotions-and-Developing-Talents>.
Grandin, Temple. "Making the Transition from the World of School into the World of Work." Indiana University Bloomington. Web. 19 May 2016. <https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/Making-the-Transition-from-the-World-of-School-into-the-World-of-Work>.
Shore, Stephen M., and Linda G. Rastelli. Understanding Autism for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2006. Print.
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