This document outlines the development and objectives of a job search preparation class for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at Rochester Institute of Technology. The class aims to help students with ASD overcome common barriers in career development by connecting their interests to potential careers, teaching them to adjust their communication style based on their audience, and acquiring job search competencies. It meets weekly for a year and half hours and covers topics like understanding the importance of work environment, interview preparation, resume and cover letter writing. The class provides a safe space for students to practice their job skills and receive feedback to effectively execute a job search.
Success Seminar: Developing a Job Seach Preparation Class for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
1. Success Seminar
Developing a Job Search Preparation Class for Students with
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
New York State Career Development Association
Buffalo, NY
Janine Rowe, MSEd., NCC
Career Counselor
Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services
Rochester Institute of Technology
7. ASD on the job: Benefits
Diversity
Enhanced
communication
Skills
Characteristics
Efficiency
8. ASD on the job: Challenges
Interests may not
lead to successful
career
Organizational
Challenges
Importance
of work
environment
Adjusting to
the neurotypical
viewpoint
9. Development of Success Seminar
Began in 2009
One class per term
Pass/Fail
Meets 1x per week for 1.5
hours
Results
Spectrum Support Program
(SSP)
Office of Cooperative
Education and Career
Services
Disability Services
10. 1.1 Connect Students with Career Options
Highly defined interests
Desire to connect interests and
career
May have no idea
May have a very clear idea
11. 1.2 Connect Students with Career Options
Assessments
Interests Careers
Skills
Occupational Research
What’s in a name?
12. 1.3 Connect Students with Career Options
Connect interests and
skills with occupations
Building blocks for
interview prep
Manage unrealistic
expectations
13. 2.1 Understand Importance of Work Environment
Technical areas vs. “soft
skills”
Common areas of challenge
“Friendly” environments
14. 2.2 Understand Importance of Work Environment
Self-accommodation
Disclosure training
Productivity “Drill”
15. 2.3 Understand Importance of Work Environment
Encourage self-
advocacy
Continued occupational
research
Give (tough) feedback
16. 3.1 Adjust to Their Audience
Perspective-taking
Values
Why does the employer
care so much?
17. 3.2 Adjust to Their Audience
6 Steps to Interview Prep
1) Making a good first impression
2) What to wear and bring
3) Common questions
4) Behavioral-based
5) Mock interviews
6) Mock interviews
18. 3.3 Adjust to Their Audience
Provide NT
“Translation”
Feedback and coaching
Encourage perspective-
taking
Networking “Final”
19. 4.1 Acquire Job Search Competencies
Overwhelming
Lying vs. Marketing
20. 4.2 Acquire Job Search Competencies
Resume writing
Cover letter
“How to Work a Career
Fair”
Elevator pitch
Digital Dirt
21. 4.3 Acquire Job Search Competencies
Feedback
Provide safe place to
practice
23. 5.2 Effectively Execute Job Search
Beyond job boards:
Checklist
Time management:
What to do and when
Do’s and Don’t’s
24. 5.3 Effectively Execute Job Search
Decoding job
descriptions
Non-negotiable vs Negotiable
Advanced ability vs Proficiency
Feedback
25. Next steps…
1 term =
2 semesters
Field trips to
work sites
Nurture
relationships
Alumni
give back
26. A note about terminology
“Neurotypical” or “NT”
“Aspie”
“Autie”
“Asperger’s”
“HFA”/ “High Functioning Autism”
Person-first language
27. 5 things you can do in 5 minutes
1) Follow Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) on
Facebook
2) Research ASD related events in your area
3) Brainstorm potential mentors
4) Bookmark Job Accommodation Network
5) Read “The Autism Advantage” on Nytimes.com about
Specialisterne
1 thing you can do in 1 hour
1) Watch Neurotypical on POV on PBS
28. References
Autism Spectrum Disorder Data and Statistics
DSM-V Implementation and Support
Preparing Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders for Adulthood:
Employment
Bissonnette, B. 2013. The Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People
with Asperger’s Syndrome. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Philadelphia.
Notas del editor
Knowing what to apply to – do in class activities
Non-negotiable = extensive experience in, must include
Negotiable: Preferred, desired, should be familiar with
Advanced skill: in-depth knowledge of
Proficiency: working knowledge of, some experience with.
deadline driven, fast-paced = a lot of pressure
self starter, work independently = minimal guidance and supervision
Maintain a sense of humor = your work is demanding and stressful
strong organizational skills = may have to shift attention rapidly throughout the day
Feedback: What’s going on? Applying to two few jobs? Applied to 30 jobs and then just sit back and wait for the jobs to come?? Nice to do this when the job search is going on
Etiquette dinner – ordering multiple entrees at lunch, why not! They are paying!