When school is finished for an adult on the Autism Spectrum. The next step is to either choose between going to university or to obtain employment. For adults, completing school can often be a relief or a very anxious period. Having spoken with Dr Tony Attwood recently in a presentation I gave with him on employment, Dr Attwood, myself and some other adults on the Autism Spectrum spoke of some useful methods when looking for employment.
These methods are as follows
1. Try to obtain work experience within a company or organisation or even contact a family friend or family member who may offer work experience in their business or organisation.
2. Register with a disability employment agency and ensure you find a job coach who will assist you with job searching and employment placement.
3. Look at special or area of interest which may be employable. If paid employment is not possible, then consider undertaking some work experience in the meantime.
4. Look for some useful books and other information concerning employment and having Asperger Syndrome. These can be found by visiting Dr Tony Attwood's website or undertaking a Google Search to obtain useful information.
Disclosure of Asperger Syndrome or Autism is really a personal decision and choice but from my own experience, I have found that disclosing Asperger Syndrome and obtaining assistance from a disability employment agency is essential. It is important to find a disability employment agency that will work for you and you need to ensure that the agency assists you. I have recently written a book about my own personal experiences and struggles with the transition into employment. This book also looks at some positive developments and the necessity of disability employment agencies.
Although work experience may not be the same as paid employment it does provide some structure. Avenues and support need to be explored in assisting you as the person on the Autism Spectrum with job placement. Should you have any questions, please direct these through my website garryburge.com and I will try and answer any concerns or provide any advice where necessary.
No comments:
Post a Comment