{resources parenting}
While first jobs rarely launch your career, they are an important step to establishing yourself in the workplace. They are an opportunity to practice working as part of a team, taking responsibility, conducting oneself professionally and interacting with customers. All teens should have access to these valuable experiences. For parents of teens with autism, the job search can be a daunting idea. Gaps in education, awareness and inclusion continue to persist in the workplace regarding individuals with autism and have resulted in high unemployment for them. According to Autism Speaks, nearly half of 25-year-olds with autism have never held a paying job. So, here are a few tips as you consider job opportunities for your teen, help them navigate the interview process and equip them to succeed once they’ve landed the job.
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Set Clear Expectations for The Job Hunt Process It’s important to have mutual guidelines and parameters you and your teen can agree on upfront before diving into the job search. For example, how many hours is your teen willing and able to work, given other commitments? Will they need help with transportation? What kind of environment will be most conducive to success? Consider lighting, noise level, potential for crowds, etc. that could be sensory triggers. This will help focus your search and ensure that you invest time in finding a job that’s going to be a true fit for both your teen’s needs and your family’s needs.
Consider Their Strengths & Interests When people picture individuals with autism in the workplace, they may picture jobs that are routine-based and
entry level. While jobs like this may be an excellent fit for some individuals with autism—especially in the summer when the learning curve can be steep and fast—individuals with autism are a diverse group. Like all teens looking for a job, individuals with autism have a wide range of strengths that can be valuable in a variety of settings, whether that’s an excellent memory, attention to detail, analytical abilities or highlevel math skills. The list goes on and on. It’s important to emphasize and encourage these strengths in your teen and to explore opportunities for them to leverage and build on those skills. At the same time, it’s important to encourage your teen to think about their interests and passions. Some teens with autism may find themselves limited by the box in which society has placed them. But as with any young adult, taking a job that they are excited about can be more