Understand Individual Strengths and Interests:
Every autistic teen is unique, possessing a set of strengths and interests that can be harnessed for future employment. Start by identifying your teen's passions and talents, whether they lie in technology, art, science, or any other field. Understanding their strengths is the first step towards guiding them to suitable employment opportunities.
Identify Your Teen’s Strengths and Interests
- Conduct a skills assessment to identify areas of strength and areas that may need further development.
MyNextMove.org has an interest profiler to assess your teen’s work-related interests. The assessment takes about 20 minutes to complete. At the end of the assessment, you can download a report that identifies your teen’s work interests.
Read the book What Color is Your Parachute? for Teens. This book will guide your teen through the process of identifying job interests and developing a plan for the future.
- Encourage your teen to explore various activities, internships, or volunteer opportunities to gain exposure to different fields.
Internships and volunteer opportunities are excellent ways to learn employment skills. These opportunities can be for shorter periods of time to allow your teen to learn important skills of communication, soft skills, following directions, and working with others. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities where adults can mentor your teen. Libraries offer volunteer opportunities where teens can start by shelving books. Volunteer opportunities of this type can teach your teen the skills of time management, showing up on time, following directions, and work completion.
Consider short term volunteer opportunities to allow your teen to develop new skills in a relaxed setting. Food banks or community service opportunities are excellent ways to introduce one day volunteer opportunities. You and your teen can help others in need or help clean up a community while learning important employment skills.
Build Communication Skills
Effective communication is a cornerstone of success in any job. Work on enhancing your teen's verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Consider enrolling your teen in a social skills program to learn communication skills. Look for free workshops about career planning and employment skills at your local library.
Train for Self-Advocacy
Teach your teen to advocate for themselves. This involves helping them understand their strengths and challenges, express their needs, and request accommodations if necessary. This skill is essential in the workplace and can empower them to thrive independently.
Educate your teen about workplace disability rights. Explore different types of workplace accommodations on the Job Accommodation Network and discuss what accommodations would make your teen successful in the workplace.
Develop Social Skills:
Foster social skills through role-playing scenarios commonly encountered in the workplace. Practice greetings, introductions, and conversational turn-taking. Building a strong foundation in social skills will contribute to a positive work environment and improved relationships with colleagues. For more ideas about ways to build social skills, check out our blog.
Teach Time Management and Organization:
Help your teen develop effective time management and organizational skills. This includes creating routines, using planners, and breaking down tasks into manageable steps. These skills are vital for success in any job and will contribute to a sense of independence. Practice building healthy habits to learn new life roles and productive routines.
Seek Community Resources
Connect with local autism support organizations and vocational training programs. These resources can provide valuable guidance, training, and networking opportunities for both you and your teen.
Build A Resume
Assist your teen in creating a tailored resume that highlights their skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Tailor the resume for each job application to showcase the most relevant information.
Hire An Expert
Occupational therapists are specially trained in neurological development and autism. We understand how to adapt job tasks and modify the job setting to support your teen’s success. We can guide you and your teen through the career exploration process to find the right opportunities to help your teen grow into an independent adult.
Conclusion:
As parents, your unwavering support and guidance play a crucial role in helping your autistic teen develop the necessary employment skills for a successful future. By recognizing their unique strengths, fostering communication and social skills, and providing opportunities for exploration and growth, you pave the way for a fulfilling and independent adulthood. Remember, each step you take now contributes to the foundation of a bright and promising future for your teen.
For more information about how occupational therapy can help your teen become a working adult, send us an email at info@vedaot.com.
