Every young person leaving school wants to have a job or go to college. Nationally we are in state of  youth employment crises. The situation is so complex, it isn’t just one variable. Yet one approach may give youth the leverage they need for employment, the personal and social capability training to adapt through adversity. […]

What Makes up Job Readiness? Do you wonder why youth with autism or developmental disabilities often fail to make transitions to a job or higher education? Professionals have prepared youth with life skill practice and career exploration tasks yet, far too many young adults continue to lose their jobs or drop out of college. Added […]

Youth with Social Emotional Challenges Pic 1 (pixabay.com) Many students and adults who have social and emotional challenges  such as, autism, do want to work and certainly have the capability to perform well on jobs that match their strengths. Yet preparing youth for a career or job isn’t an exact science. Rather, I see it […]

Don’t ignore emotional well-being and adaptation in preparing youth with Autism Spectrum and Special Needs for jobs, careers, and college. My article give 5 necessary points. [Actual Persons]: An 18-year old male with autism received a scholarship to study chemistry at a prominent university. After 6 weeks, his parents were called to come and get […]

Helping Youth Get Employed | Professional Development | 6 CEU’S Announcing my ONLINE COURSE: ‘How to Engage Youth to Discover their Dream Career and Adapt’ Are you a counselor, educator, or a parent seeking ways to help youth with Autism Spectrum and special needs access their own blueprint for career preparation? With this course, you […]

Do you work with students in transition and worry about how they will get or keep a job after high school? This blog will offer new perspective. Briefly I will reveal the problem and next the 9 solutions. Student transition to a job or college in our society operates on the ‘Vertical Approach’, which is […]

Work Readiness for Students with Autism  Spectrum, Developmental Disabilities, and ‘At Risk’: A Professional Resource Checklist Check each one that applies. 1. My student/clients can often see good job/career possibilities for themselves. ___________ 2. My student/clients generally rely upon people (natural) supports in the workplace in order to adjust or adapt to their job.  ___________ 3. My student/clients generally […]

Let’s start with a 4 question  self-questionnaire. You may  give it to a student or  your son/daughter .  1. Do you know the career that is right for you? ___ Yes    ___Not Sure     ___No 2. Do you have a unique interest or ability, but don’t know the right course of study or career […]

Autism and Resilience A woman named Fran shared a story with me at an autism conference we both attended. She described Jason as a 40 year old man with autism as her close friend and she enjoys spending time with frequently. She also sees herself as a mentor to Jason as well. Fran spoke of […]

  Mary is a delightful 19 year old woman who has autism. Now that she has graduated high school, she has tremendous fear that is preventing her from pursuing a career goal. Her days are filled with hiding in her room drawing and reading. Although she feels safe there, she really doesn’t like hiding in […]