• ASd Transition Toolkit  

    Preparing Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder for Adulthood A Transition Toolkit for Educators 

    UNIT 3.6: Employment

    Key Questions

    Appendices

     by Phyllis Coyne

    Preparing youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for employment is a primary goal of K – 12 education. In order to assist educators to lead teams in developing an effective process to prepare students with ASD for employment, this unit of the toolkit provides basic answers to commonly asked questions and links to comprehensive resources about different aspects of career and vocational preparation.

    Preparation for employment is a huge topic. Therefore, this unit is designed as a resource, in which you can return to sections, as you need more information or tools. You do not need to read this unit from beginning to end or in order. Feel free to print this unit for ease of reading or as an accessible reference. You will get the most from this unit by also using the online features. Links to questions, appendices and online resources are provided so that you can go directly to what is most relevant to you at the time. 

    Please be aware that the transition to successful, sustained employment for young adults with ASD also requires instruction in the other areas of the expanded core curriculum described in this toolkit. Information and resources on how to address the underlying characteristics of ASD, which are relevant to employment,
    are provided in Unit 3.1: Communication, Unit 3.2: Social Skills, Unit 3.3: Executive Function/Organization, and Unit 3.4: Sensory Self-Regulation (You will need to scroll down to Preparing Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder for Adulthood). Information and resources to address other critical areas of the expanded core curriculum that are also important for employment are provided in Unit: 3.5: Self Determination, Unit 3.7: Postsecondary Education, and Unit 3.8: Independent Living. (You will need to scroll down to Preparing Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder for Adulthood ).

    What is preparation for employment?

    Preparation for employment is an individual and multi-year process of career awareness, career exploration, instruction in work behavior and skills, and work experience to enable students with disabilities, including those most affected by ASD, to transition from school to work. This process should lead toward paid work at the end of the school years when the entitlement to services under IDEA ends. 

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    Why prepare youth with ASD for employment?

    Work is a very important part of life with numerous benefits, including being participating and contributing members of one’s community and the local economy. Many individuals with ASD, including those with the most severe challenges, express an interest in working (Targett & Wehman, 2009). In fact, adults with ASD have said that finding a job would improve their lives more than anything else (Barnard, Harvey, Potter, & Prior, 2001). When they have the dignity of gainful employment, adults with ASD can contribute to essentials like housing, food, clothing and the supports and services needed in their lives.

    IDEA 2004 clarifies the obligation to prepare students for employment both in its stated purpose and its regulations on postsecondary transition. The stated purpose of IDEA is “to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living” [6001(d)(1)(A)]. To this end, IDEA 2004 requires appropriate measurable postsecondary employment goals and annual IEP goals as part of transition IEPs, as well as coordinated transition services that will reasonably enable the student to meet his postsecondary employment goal.

    Despite entitlements, such as IDEA, the current employment outcomes for adults with ASD are not encouraging. Data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2, a 10-year study of youth who received special education services, suggests that young adults with ASD are less likely to work than all but one other disability group (Newman et al., 2009). In a recent study of 4 counties in Oregon, 13% of young adults with ASD in the sample were employed in an integrated competitive employment setting and another 13% were in a supported employment setting (Coyne, Rake & Rood, 2010). In addition to high unemployment, adults with ASD, including those with Asperger Syndrome, experience underemployment, often lose jobs, and switch jobs frequently (Barnard, Harvey, Potter, & Prior, 2001; Howlin, 2000; Hurlbutt & Chalmers, 2004; Jennes-Coussens, Magill-Evans, & Koning, 2006; Müller, Schuler, Burton, & Yates, 2003; Newman et al., 2009). They do poorly even in comparison to others with disabilities. For instance, Cameto et al (2005) found that adults with ASD make the lowest hourly wage and worked the lowest number of hours per week of any disability. Many suffer from depression or anxiety disorders caused, or exacerbated, by their inability to find a good fit in the world of work.

    Although the challenges of ASD are significant, it is possible for young adults with ASD to be employed and to live a life of quality where they actively participate in decisions that affect their lives. In fact, research and experience has shown that, with the right preparation and support, individuals with ASD can learn the necessary skills and utilize talents that lead to meaningful employment in a variety of community-based businesses and industries (Hillier, Campbell, Mastriani, Vreeburg, Kool, Tucks & Cherry, 2007; Howlin, Alcock & Burkin, 2005; Jennes-Coussens et al., 2006; Moore, 2006; Muller, Schuler, Burton, & Yates, 2003; Schall, Cortijo-Doval, Targett, & Wehman, 2006; Schaller & Yang, 2005; Targett & Wehman, 2009; Tsatsanis, 2003, Wehman, Targett & Young, 2007). Across the country young adults with ASD of divergent abilities are being successfully prepared for employment..

    Various initiatives focus on such preparation. For instance, Oregon’s Employment First Initiative requires that employment in integrated work settings be the first and priority option explored in service planning for all working age adults with developmental disabilities, including ASD. One intent of these initiatives is less reliance on alternatives to employment (ATE) for adults with significant disabilities.

    Preparation for employment during the school years is critical to improve outcomes for young adults with ASD and to meet the goals of Oregon’s Employment First Initiative. Research has found that, if young adults with ASD do not transition into employment after their education years, they have a 70% chance of not being gainfully employed throughout their lives (Roebuck, 2006). Career and vocational assessment, career development and work experience during the school years are key predictors of successful adult employment (National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, 2007).

    The significant potential of young adults with ASD to have meaningful employment and be contributing members of society needs to be developed. As Temple Grandin (2004) has pointed out, “Work is more than just a livelihood or paycheck; it is the key to a satisfying and productive life.” 

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    Do all youth with ASD need preparation for employment?

    Federal law requires career development and career-related experiences for all students and each state specifies how this will be accomplished. For instance, in Oregon, the Career Related Learning Standards was merged into the Essential Skills starting in 2012.

    Additional regulations related to preparation for employment exist for students with disabilities. IDEA 2004 requires appropriate measurable postsecondary goals, measurable annual goals and a coordinated set of transition services and activities towards employment for all students with an IEP not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 16, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP Team. All youth with ASD must be treated as viable candidates for employment. The ultimate goal is paid, community-based employment or self-employment for each student upon graduation, regardless of the severity of his or her disability.

    With appropriate preparation and supports, even those most affected by ASD can have meaningful work, help support themselves, and contribute to their local communities. Young adults with ASD can be reliable, hard working employees that meet or exceed expectations. Some will be able to hold a job independently or with natural supports, while others will require support from qualified staff to retain a position.

    Although it may be obvious that those most affected by ASD need preparation for employment, it is not always as obvious for students with Asperger Syndrome or high functioning autism. Average to high IQ does not guarantee obtaining or maintaining employment for adults with ASD. Without careful preparation and significant support, high functioning adults typically have only marginally better employment outcomes than those who are more severely affected by ASD. They need preparation for employment even if they are college bound, because after college they will be work bound. Although college may be a step towards career development, it usually does not provide other necessary skills and knowledge towards successful employment. All youth with ASD need preparation for employment while IDEA entitlements are in place.

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    When should I start preparing my student(s) with ASD for employment?

    There are three answers to this question. One relates to federal and state mandates for career development of all students, another relates to the requirements of IDEA, and the third relates to the developmental process and ASD.

    Federal and state laws recognize that career development is a long-term process. For instance, the Oregon Perkins IV State Plan’s vision for the future is to refine and enhance a connected and integrated education and workforce system that promotes a smooth and successful transition of all students from prekindergarten through grade 12 to postsecondary education, training and entrance into the workforce.

    On the other had, IDEA 2004 requires that the transition planning process must begin “not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 16, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP Team.”  This means that IEP teams should start transition planning when the student is 15, so that they can assure that the planning and services have occurred on the IEP in effect when the student is 16. However, note that IDEA allows for transition planning to begin earlier when deemed appropriate by the IEP Team. In fact, research shows that preparation for the transition from secondary school to work must begin well before the completion of high school (National Alliance for Secondary Education and Transition, 2008).

    Career Development Process And ASD

    Because of the complexity of ASD, 15 years of age is too late to start preparation for employment. Activities towards preparing for employment need to start previous to the official transition planning age. There is strong support for starting early.

    • As early as 1994, the Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) of the Council for Exceptional Children adopted a position that “The foundations for transition should be laid during the elementary and middle school years, guided by the broad concept of career development.” (Halpern, 1994).
    • The Autism Guidebook for Washington State (2008) indicates that the process of preparing individuals with ASD for employment “starts at the earliest stages of special education (approximately 6 years of age)”.
    • Baker (2005) suggests that career development is ongoing throughout one's lifetime.

    Ideally, the process should incorporate a K-12 career development plan for all children to make certain that students are successfully progressing through career developmental stages and to determine whether students require assistance in reaching the goals associated with each stage. The Sample Timeline for Preparation for Employment in Appendix 3.6B provides an outline for what is recommended by various experts and organizations at each age.

    There are compelling reasons to start preparing for employment in early elementary school for students with ASD. One is that this population does not naturally develop an interest in careers like other children do. Young children typically progress through a fantasy stage of career awareness in which they use their imagination to take on different career roles. However, children with ASD usually do not engage in this type of pretend play and do not appear to notice the jobs happening around them as they go to the store, doctor, or other places of community service (Frith, 2003). Structured activities or play routines may need to be established for children with ASD to experience these roles.

    Later, as other children are becoming aware of their interests and different careers, students with ASD may only fixate on their own area of interest, unless they experience structured classroom and school jobs. They may not benefit as much as other students from field trips to places of work, job shadowing and speakers on occupations, because they may have difficulty understanding or focusing on relevant aspects of these experiences. By using work routines and work systems for classroom and school jobs, students with ASD can begin to gain work skills and focus on what is relevant.

    During adolescence, most neurotypical youth begin to know their interests and abilities in more depth related to possible careers and become more aware of training required for careers. However, youth with ASD may continue to have limited awareness of the world of work unless they have structured activities to assist them. They are unlikely to know the options or understand how their skills and interests match career options unless they have had assistance progressing through career developmental stages and help reaching the goals associated with each stage. They need carefully guided career awareness and career exploration, through real world experiences in their areas of interest, to be able to take an active part in determining their own postsecondary goals for employment.

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    What are the core components of preparation for employment?

    All youth need career awareness, career exploration, including self-knowledge of own abilities and interests, and career preparation for successful post school employment. These areas are even more important for students with ASD, because of the myriad of challenges they face in employment.

    It is easy for educators and other transition team members to assume that at least some stages of career development have been attained by students with ASD. Unfortunately, this is often an unfounded supposition. In order to be able to identify and attain postsecondary goals for employment, youth and young adults with ASD require a range of career related activities, such as:

    • Ongoing career and vocational assessment
    • Career awareness/orientation
    • Career exploration
    • Measurable postsecondary goals for employment
    • Course of study
    • Transition services and activities, including community based career and work experience, instruction, needed supports, and interagency collaboration

    Ongoing Career And Vocational Assessment

    IDEA requires career/vocational assessment as integral to assisting youth to make informed choices and to set realistic goals for employment in adulthood. This includes assessment of the student’s preferences, interests, needs and strengths (PINS) related to employment. It may include assessment of transferrable skills, job specific skills, educational skills, interests, work values, aptitudes, functional living skills and career maturity. The answer to How do I determine appropriate postsecondary career and employment goals with my student(s) with ASD?, which appears later in this unit, provides more specific information on career and vocational assessment and Appendix 3.6A has links to a variety of assessments.

    Career Awareness/Orientation

    Benz et al. (1997) found that students who exited school with high career awareness skills were more likely to be engaged in post-school employment or education. Learning about the wide world of work needs to begin in elementary school, so that the student becomes aware of the world of work and different career options. By middle school and high school, it may include courses, programs, and activities that broaden the youth’s knowledge of careers, and allow for more informed postsecondary education and career choices.

    Career Exploration

    Career exploration involves examining firsthand a number of career options to help identify the student’s dreams and goals, interests and preferences and skills as well as support needs. Care must be taken to prime youth with ASD and to structure activities, job shadows, and site visits, in order for the youth to know what is most relevant and to overcome potential difficulties in learning by observation. Similar care must be taken in trying to familiarize higher functioning students with ASD with specific occupations by reading about them or talking with people working in those fields. With careful planning, exploration activities can provide useful information to help many youth with ASD to identify interests and preferences.

    However, many other youth with ASD cannot learn through job shadows and site visits. Youth with ASD often need varied and multiple community-based work experiences to identify interests and postsecondary goals.

    Another component of career exploration is examining their own particular set of abilities, characteristics and needs, as they relate to the world of work. This includes developing self-knowledge of preferences, learning style, strengths, personal attributes, values, skills, career interests and support needs related to employment. A number of links to instructional materials for self-knowledge for employment is provided in Appendix 3.6A. Since these instructional materials are not developed specifically for use with individuals with ASD, it is important to apply universal design principles and support the underlying characteristics of ASD. Unit 3.5: Self Determination provides more approaches and resources to assist in developing self-knowledge for youth and young adults with ASD. However, even with self-knowledge, many youth with ASD will need assistance to determine which jobs match up with their skills and interests.

    Measurable Postsecondary Goals for Employment

    A measurable postsecondary goal for employment must be based on age appropriate transition assessments, particularly career assessment and vocational evaluation. The individualized goal may be for employment in competitive, supported or sheltered employment. Excellent examples of a wide range of measurable postsecondary goals for employment are shown on the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC) website.

    Youth with ASD need to make realistic career and employment decisions based on self-knowledge and awareness of career options, so that annual IEP goals that will reasonably enable the student to meet his postsecondary employment goals can be developed. When dreams for a career are not realistic, it is important to learn where the dream came from in order to help the student find alternatives and arrive at a compromise that suits the student’s interests, strengths, supports needs and preferences for type of work environment. Ultimately the decision is the student’s, but following a plan based on an unrealistic goal is not in the best interest of the student with ASD.

    Course of Study

    The transition IEP must identify the student's course of study. The intent is to make sure the courses in which the student enrolls helps him develop the knowledge and skills he will need to achieve his desired postsecondary outcomes. Some courses should be selected with a substantial experiential component, since many students with ASD learn best with hands on experiences. This includes paid or unpaid work experiences that are specifically linked to the content of the course of study and school credit.

    There is strong evidence that broad career curricula that allow youth to select academic, career, and/or technical courses based on their career interests and goals results in improved postsecondary employment outcomes. Students with moderate to severe disabilities who participated in school-based programs that included career major (“sequence of courses based on occupational goal”), cooperative education (“combines academic and vocational studies with a job in a related field”), school-sponsored enterprise (“involves the production of goods or services by students for sale to or use by others”) and technical preparation (“a planned program of study with a defined career focus that links secondary and postsecondary education”) were 1.2 times more likely to be engaged in stable, full-time post-school employment with benefits, insurance, and paid sick days (Shandra & Hogan, 2008). Students with disabilities who participated in vocational education were 2 times more likely to be engaged in fulltime post-school employment (Baer et al., 2003; Harvey, 2002). Similarly, students with disabilities who received technology training were more than twice as likely to be employed (Leonard et al., 1999).

    Transition Services and Activities

    IDEA requires a coordinated set of services and activities that will reasonably enable students to meet their postsecondary goals. Although these services and activities are individualized, particular areas reflect best practice. These include:

    • Community based career and work experience,
    • Instruction and practice in “hard” skills,
    • Instruction and practice in “soft” skills,
    • Instruction and practice in job search skills,
    • Needed supports,
    • Interagency collaboration.

    Community based career and work experience. Active, meaningful work experience aligned with student’s interests, strengths, skills and postsecondary employment goals prior to completing high school is a high evidence practice (National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, 2007). These may include internships, apprenticeships, mentoring, paid and unpaid work, service learning, school-based enterprises, on-the-job training, and work study. In general, students who have community work experience prior to leaving school are significantly more likely to obtain and maintain employment (Carter, Owens, Swedeen, Trainor, Thompson, & Ditchman, 2009).

    The following highlights the importance of three types of work experience.

    • Structured Internships: Paid or unpaid internships can help young adults with ASD gain valuable work experience. For instance, students with disabilities who participated in the Bridges School to Work program in their last year of high school and completed the internship were four times more likely to be employed (Luecking & Fabian, 2000).
    • Paid Work Experience: Paid work experience provides the student with the opportunity to learn, by practice and exposure, what his work preferences might be. Students of all disability categories who participated in 2 or more paid jobs during high school were more likely to be engaged in post-school employment. (Benz et al., 1997; Benz et al., 2000; Doren & Benz, 1998). Students of all disability categories who had a job at the time of high school exit were 5.1 times more likely to be engaged in post-school employment (Bullis et al., 1995; Rabren et al., 2002).
    • Work Study (Jobs developed by the high school where the individual receives credit): Baer et al. (2003) found that students with disabilities who participated in work study were 2 times more likely to be engaged in full-time post school employment.

    Instruction and practice in “hard” skills (job skills). Youth with ASD need instruction in job skills in real community settings. This is provided through the course of study and community work experience.

    Instruction and practice in “soft” skills. “Soft” skills are functional independent living and work related skills that enable youth and young adults to survive and succeed in the real world. Adult outcomes for individuals with ASD can, at least in part, be seen as a function of “soft” skills (Mazefsky, Williams, & Minshew, 2008). Over 80% of jobs lost by young adults with ASD are a result of poor “soft” skills, especially poor social skills. Some examples of “soft” skills and units in this toolkit that address them are:

    • Communication (Unit 3.1)
    • Social skills (Unit 3.2)
    • Problem-solving (Unit 3.3)
    • Self advocacy, including disclosure (Unit 3.5)
    • Independent living skills (Unit 3.8)
    • Work behavior, such as attendance, punctuality, and follow through

    Since youth with ASD require systematic instruction in those skills and behaviors, a good transition plan needs to identify goals for improving specific “soft” skills based on age appropriate transition assessment. White and Weiner (2004) found that students with severe disabilities who participated in community-based training which involved instruction in non-school, natural environments focused on development of social skills, domestic skills, accessing public transportation, and on-the-job training were more likely to be engaged in post-school employment. Although some instruction can be classroom-based, instruction in “soft” skills must also be provided through work experiences that are part of the transition plan.

    Instruction and practice in job search skills. Youth with ASD need instruction in the many steps that happen before and while applying for a job. Youth with ASD benefit from multiple opportunities to develop traditional job preparation skills, such as finding appropriate open positions, completing job applications, writing resumes, developing work portfolio, interviewing, and follow up, through job-readiness curricula and training that applies principles of universal design and when any additional strategies and supports are added. Benz et al. (1997) found that students who exited school with high job search skills were more likely to be engaged in post-school employment.

    Interviewing is often very difficult for youth and young adults with ASD. Some of these young people will need approaches to getting a job that minimize the need to interview and interact to compensate for the social challenges associated with ASD. One approach is to develop a career or work portfolio, which shows results of work and highlights achievements, to sell the youth’s skills without an interview. A complementary approach is to obtain a job through a family/friend network.

    Provision of Needed Supports. Youth must be able to access, accept, and use individually needed supports and accommodations for work experiences and employment. Further information and resources for supports is provided in this unit under the answer to What supports are needed by youth and young adults with ASD in the workplace? and in Appendix 3.6A under Supports for Employment and Potential Supports for Employment in Appendix 3.6C.

    Interagency Collaboration. Linkages to individually determined adult support services, such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Workforce Investment, Social Security Work Incentives, brokerages, and employment vendors, prior to graduation is a high evidence practice for the education and employment success of all youth, including those with ASD (National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, 2007). For example, students of all disability categories who received assistance from 3 to 6 community-based agencies (as compared to students with assistance from 0 to 2 agencies) were more likely to be engaged in post-school employment or education (Bullis et al., 1995).

    Schools are responsible for inviting representatives from outside agencies. In addition, the Interagency Transition Subcommittee of the Oregon Autism Commission (2010) recommended that students and their families leave school services with an Exit Package that facilitates entry into adult services, or other postsecondary programs, including the most recent testing information, vocational evaluation, present level of performance, etc.

    Given the often complex and long-term needs of many individuals with ASD, the development and maintenance of systems of interagency cooperation to best provide for a continuity of services after transition is vital. Formal interagency agreements and action plans, that identify which services will be provided by each agency, which students will receive services, and when services will be initiated, should be developed between school and community agencies.

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    Who prepares youth with ASD for employment?

    The transition team, in collaboration with adult service agencies, has the unique role of identifying interests and abilities, developing skills, facilitating career development, helping to identify postsecondary employment goals and preparing youth with ASD to attain their postsecondary employment goals. In the process many individuals may be involved in preparing the young person for employment. This may include, but is not limited to:

    • Parents or guardians and other interested family members
    • Special education teacher(s)
    • General education teacher(s)
    • Vocational educator(s)
    • School district representative
    • Transition specialist at the school
    • Vocational specialist at the school
    • Vocational rehabilitation counselor from the community
    • Guidance counselor
    • Speech and language pathologist
    • ASD specialist
    • Occupational therapist
    • School psychologist
    • Behavior specialist
    • Job development specialist
    • Job coach
    • Friends or people from the community who know the young person well
    • And eventually, the employer.

    Four key roles in assisting youth with ASD to prepare for employment are:

    • Parents/guardians and other family members,
    • Transition specialist or vocational specialist,
    • Job development specialist, and
    • Rehabilitation counselor

    Parents/guardians and other family members play crucial roles not only in career preparation, but also in actual job search efforts. They often provide:

    • Ideas about the type of work an individual likes and is able to do,
    • Suggestions about where to look for a job,
    • Connections in the community, and
    • Assistance with transportation. (TATRA Project, 1996; NICHY, 1999).

    Transition Specialist Or Vocational Specialist

    A transition specialist or vocational specialist may become involved through the public school system when transition planning begins for a student with ASD. This specialist can help the student through activities, such as:

    • Working with the student to identify preferences and goals;
    • Setting up opportunities for the student (or a group of students) to learn about different careers through such activities as watching movies about careers, job shadowing, visiting different job environments, and hands-on activities that allow the student(s) to try out a job or aspects of a job;
    • Looking at what skills the student presently has and what skills he will need in the adult world;
    • Recommending coursework that the student should take throughout the remainder of high school to prepare for adult living (recreation, employment, postsecondary education, independent living);
    • Identifying what job supports the student needs;
    • Helping the student assemble a portfolio of job experiences, resumes, work recommendations, and the like; and
    • Making connections with the adult service system (NICHY, 1999).

    Job Development Specialist

    A job development specialist usually works for a school system or an adult service provider agency such as the vocational rehabilitation agency or brokerage. As the job title suggests, the chief activity of such a specialist is finding jobs for people with disabilities. The job development specialist will usually approach an employer to see what positions may be available that match the prospective employee’s abilities and preferences or to carve job for an individual with a disability. The job developer and a job coach may divide the following activities:

    • Placing the person on the job;
    • Training the employee on job tasks and appropriate workplace behavior;
    • Talking with supervisor(s) and coworkers about disability awareness;
    • Providing long-term support to the employee on the job; and
    • Helping to promote interaction between the employee and his or her co-workers (PACER Center, 1998; NICHY, 1999).

    Rehabilitation Counselor

    Rehabilitation counselors can be involved in a student’s transition planning while the student is still in school. This professional usually works for the state’s vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency, helping people with disabilities prepare for and find employment. State vocational rehabilitation agencies are one of the most important sources of employment services for individuals with ASD and other disabilities. For students who are eligible for VR, a wide variety of services are available, including:

    • Evaluation of the person’s interests, capabilities, and limitations;
    • Job training;
    • Transportation;
    • Aids and devices;
    • Job placement;
    • And job follow-up (NICHY, 1999).

    Members from VR, other adult service organizations and local school districts can combine resources in creative ways when they talk together about mutual goals for students.

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    How do I determine appropriate postsecondary career and employment goals with my student(s) with ASD?

    Selecting a career or job and preparing for work present youth with ASD and their transition team with the challenge of having to make complex decisions. Age appropriate transition assessment is necessary to help determine fitting postsecondary employment goals and transition services. Unit 1 provides information and assessment tools for age appropriate transition assessments in general.

    A major purpose of age appropriate transition assessment and transition services is to help the youth with ASD to identify the types of careers, jobs and work environments that are a good fit for him. A variety of assessment and instructional material for this purpose, which are not designed specifically for young people with ASD, can found in Appendix 3.6A. A checklist designed specifically to assist youth and young adults with ASD in identifying their personal work style and match for potential employment can be found in Appendix A of Transition to Adulthood: Guidelines for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

    Since success in employment for young people with ASD is dependent on an array of conditions of employment and a variety of skills beyond work skills, appropriate and meaningful planning for employment must utilize and build on the holistic information from other areas of the age appropriate transition assessment. Assessment of self-determination (Unit 3.5) and independent living (Unit 3.8) yields valuable information about the youth that further informs goals. Assessment of the underlying characteristics of ASD is essential to develop appropriate goals and to chose instructional strategies.

    Assessment of Traits Related to ASD

    Other units of this toolkit supply important information and resources for assessment related to the underlying characteristics of ASD. Unit 3.1 – 3.4 offers substantive information and assessment tools for the underlying characteristics of ASD, including communication, social/interpersonal, organization/executive function and sensory self-regulation. These unique traits are relevant to determining postsecondary employment goals and transition services, such as training, support and supervision.

    Career and Vocational Assessment

    Comprehensive career and vocational assessments are also critical to youth with ASD and their transition team’s ability to make the best decisions and choices about postsecondary employment goals and transition services. These assessments should be carefully planned, involve a team of professionals from school and community agencies, such as career centers and Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and be integrated within K–12 career planning process.

    Career and vocational assessment formally and informally measures and documents the youth's interests, values, temperament, aptitudes, skills, behaviors, awareness, physical capacities, and learning style related to career and work, while simultaneously providing youth with multiple opportunities to discover their own career preferences, needs, strengths, abilities and interests. The results will assist the youth and his transition team to match his abilities, interests and other attributes to suitable goals and services, including training and support services.

    During career and vocational assessment, the student with ASD and his transition team has opportunities to explore career interests and abilities through a variety of assessment techniques. These techniques may include interest and aptitude testing, interviews, rating scales, observations in various settings, performance tests, work samples and situational assessment in as naturalistic a setting as possible. Appendix 3.6A contains links under Assessment to comprehensive guides on career and vocational transition assessment and links to free assessments for use by the individual.

    Considerations For Assessment of Youth with ASD

    Although all the techniques and assessments are potentially useful, they will yield valid results only if professionals can obtain a response from the student that accurately reflects the student’s interests, skills and abilities in the area assessed. The transition team must discuss the best way to elicit a productive response from the youth with ASD that takes into consideration the unique characteristics of the youth with ASD. In addition, professionals assessing students with ASD should have a firm understanding of ASD in order to produce and interpret valid assessment results. The following information can assist in understanding characteristics of ASD in relationship to career and vocational assessment.

    Formal assessment. Caution must be exercised in the use of and interpretation of results from the many commercially available, formal tools that assess career maturity, preferences, interests, aptitude, learning styles, specific vocational skills and potential or abilities to perform in jobs within specific career fields. Youth with ASD may not perform well on formal, standardized assessments due to their complex neurological differences. Performance on the test may more accurately reflect how the youth performs in a new situation, with new materials, and/or with a new person than what the test intended to assess. In addition, several hours of traditional assessment or a checklist of vocational skills often misses the youth’s unique and most important strengths and skills that may be suited for a specific “niche” and could lead to successful supported or competitive employment. Consequently, the standardized scores from such testing cannot be the sole basis to make decisions about a youth’s ability to work in the competitive labor market. Further assessment in “real” environments needs to be done. In general, descriptive reports that consider functionality and informal assessment results are more helpful than “stand alone” scores.

    However, steps can be taken to get the most valid results from formal assessment, such as universal design for career and vocational assessment that is tailored to accommodate and meet the needs of all students. Formal career and vocational assessment should:

    • be examined to ensure the chosen test is appropriate for the age, grade level and reading ability of the youth being assessed;
    • offer a choice of methods and techniques and use a variety of methods to achieve results;
    • be created to be straightforward and predictable;
    • utilize actual artifacts and samples that illustrate expectations;
    • provide multiple representations that include digital materials, models, and hands-on demonstrations;
    • be designed to anticipate variation in student learning and, if repeated enough, performance;
    • utilize structured directions and finite steps;
    • use adjustable spans of time and shorter test periods;
    • use student’s communication preferences/mode;
    • begin by explaining what will happen, communicate in a medium comfortable to the individual, and provide safe environments;
    • be designed to provide results that are communicated in multiple ways that can be accessed and understood by the individual and others who need to be informed; and
    • be designed to include recommendations in results about future universally-designed learning, assessment, and employment that will promote success in educational, career, vocational, and employment endeavors.

    Many students with ASD will need creative approaches to assessment beyond universal design. Some of these include:

    • Use tests that are sensitive enough to reflect scattered abilities.
    • Ask in advance about sensory issues, communication mode, signs of frustration, over stimulation, etc., motivators.
    • Expose the student to the setting and evaluator(s) previous to assessment.
    • Provide advance notice to the prior to testing.
    • Utilize sensory motor preparation for optimal level of alertness.
    • Provide quiet, tidy, environment with moderate light.
    • Avoid expressions, jokes, innuendos, indirect messages and "hints".
    • Use concrete language.
    • Supplement verbal information with visuals – schedules, outlines, pictures, written summaries.
    • Allow extended quiet time for processing and thinking.
    • Focus less on language and more on an individual’s ability/performance.
    • Cue or prompt the student in a familiar manner when asking the student to perform a task to determine prompt dependence.
    • Use natural methods of evaluation and assessment, such as observation, as much as possible.

    Other units of this toolkit provide information and resources on supporting youth with ASD to optimize valid assessment results. For instance, Unit 1 discusses special considerations in assessment for youth with ASD that also applies to career and vocational assessment. A manual from the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, Transition to Adulthood: Guidelines for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, provides characteristics, implications and strategies for assessment in Section 2: Age Appropriate Transition Assessment.

    Interest inventories. A variety of standardized assessment inventories and tools are available to assist youth in recognizing their predominant interests and preferences. Because these surveys, when used properly, can help some youth with ASD understand how their interests have direct application to making good academic and career choices, links to interest inventories, as well as career-interest and job-match software programs sponsored in the public domain by Federal agencies such as the Department of Labor (DOL) are provided in Appendix 3.6A.

    However, the use of and results of interest inventories, in which youth with ASD provide answers, must be considered carefully and planned creatively. Numerous vocational interest inventories and tests ask individuals to imagine themselves in situations. Many youth with ASD have limited experience in the world of work and tend to have difficulty imagining themselves in different situations (Attwood, 2006; Siegel, 2003). If a student with ASD is not able to imagine himself in these situations, the responses he gives will not yield accurate information. Even pictorial, reading free and video interest inventories do not necessarily provide the type of information needed by a student with ASD. Because of the nature of ASD, the student may base answers on irrelevant detail(s) of the visual representation of the career or job. Therefore, participating in a tryout of that job can most effectively help youth with ASD understand a job.

    Informal Assessment

    Informal assessment is often more informative than formal assessments. Some examples of informal assessment include questionnaires, checklists, interviews, observations in various situations, and job tryouts. Information accumulated and documented by observing the student as he participates in various academic and work experiences, talking with the student and those who know him well about interests, abilities and challenges, and setting up experiences that will allow the student to try something that he thinks may be of interest provides a wealth of informal data. Situational assessment and environmental assessment are tow particularly useful types of informal assessment.

    Situational assessment. Situational assessment, also referred to as direct observation, measures an individual’s interests, abilities, and work habits in actual places of employment, such as a job tryout or unpaid work experience. It, additionally, provides multiple opportunities to try essential job functions of different jobs that help youth determine if they really enjoy the work, if their interests match their abilities and if they have the stamina to meet work requirements.

    The process of situational assessment usually involves defining specific tasks, teaching a student to perform them, and then observing the student while completing them. The information from situational assessment typically includes task analytic data of steps in the core job duties, work behaviors (e.g., on-task, following directions, getting along with co-workers), and affective information (e.g., student is happy, excited, frustrated, or bored).

    Situational assessments are one of the best ways to assess a student’s interest in a particular job and his skills to perform the job. Ongoing situational assessments provide a basis to reassess interests and capabilities based on real-world experiences and to redefine postsecondary goals, as necessary.

    Environmental assessment. Another excellent means for gathering useful information is environmental or ecological assessment. This type of assessment examines a variety of factors that may contribute significantly to the success of an individual at work. Some of the factors assessed may include, but are not limited to:

    • Availability of close supervision;
    • Style of supervision (i.e., casual vs. autocratic);
    • Building structures and layout of the working environment;
    • Flow of product or service processes;
    • Effects of formal and informal rules;
    • Social interaction demands of others (i.e., co-workers, customers);
    • Sensory stimuli, such as noise, motion, temperature, air quality, etc.;
    • Work schedules and time requirements;
    • Opportunities for independence and decision-making;
    • Performance expectations of authorities; and
    • Opportunities for self-correction.

    If a student expresses interest in a specific type of job, an environmental job analysis could be conducted comparing requirements of the job to the student’s skills (Griffin & Sherron, 1996). This approach is particularly valuable for students with ASD, because they often express interest in a specific career that other assessment information indicates is not possible for them. If the environment is appropriate and liked by the student, other jobs in that environment should be evaluated with the skills of the student in mind. If an apparent match is found, the student should have an opportunity to participate in a situational assessment. Unit 3 of this toolkit provides a description of the steps of an environmental assessment and a sample form.

    An additional outcome of environmental assessment can be to identify types of accommodations that could be provided to help a student perform the necessary functions of a particular job (e.g., job restructuring, modifying equipment, acquiring an adaptive device, re-organizing the work space, hiring a personal assistant) (Griffin & Sherron, 1996; Test, Aspel, & Everson, 2006).

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    Why are work experiences necessary?

    The most effective way for student with ASD to learn about the best match for him in career, jobs and work environments is through multiple work experiences. These work experiences, additionally, provide the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to keep and hold a job, develop a sense of which types of jobs and job conditions are best for them and increase their level of community involvement. Students will gain the most self-knowledge and work competencies if work experiences are not just generic, but reflect their interests, strengths and needs. These work opportunities should be consistent with the student’s career plan and postsecondary goals.

    For the majority of youth and young adults with ASD, their motivation to work will be directly related to the extent to which they enjoy the work they are being asked to do. Rather than being motivated by money, the degree of job match can be the critical factor between employee and employer satisfaction. It is critical to expand from a focus solely on skill requirements to a consideration of a match with interests and strengths of the individual, and features of the workplace, such as physical environment, supervisory style and attitudes. A good job fit makes for a more satisfied employee, which results not only in increased self-esteem but also productivity.

    Generally, as students move through work experiences, they get closer and closer to a good job and career match. Members of the transition team need to carefully plan and develop these work experiences. These experiences may be typical jobs in the community or may be customized positions that are negotiated to meet the need of employers and create a good match with the young adult’s unique skill set. In addition to knowing the individual student, understanding some of the typical strengths and needs of youth and young adults ASD can be useful in determining work experiences now and paid work in the future.

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    Are there particular careers or jobs that are good for young adults with ASD?

    As a group young adults with ASD can successfully be employed in a myriad of careers and jobs. However, each individual has unique interests, preferences, strengths and needs that shape the types of careers, jobs and work environment that are a good fit for him and will potentiate a satisfying and successful experience for him and his employer.

    Strengths of Young People with ASD in Work

    It is important to avoid jobs that emphasize weaknesses and find ones that utilize strengths. Many youth and young adults with ASD have similar positive characteristics that are valued by employers. A young person with ASD may have any combination of the following traits:

    • Honesty
    • Dependability
    • Attention to detail
    • Strong memory for figures and facts that they are interested in
    • Vast knowledge of specialized fields
    • Ability to order systems, such as matching, collating, designing, computers, certain types of machines
    • Accuracy in visual perception
    • Strong visual memory of what they have seen
    • Unique talents
    • Working on a task until it is completed
    • Focus on a limited number of things for extended periods of time
    • Unique perspective

    In addition to the desirable traits for employment listed above, youth and young adults with ASD show proficient and sometimes even superior skills in “systemizing” (Baron-Cohen, 2003). Systemizing is the drive to analyze or build systems in order to understand and predict the system’s behavior and its underlying rules and regularities. Skill in systemizing lends itself to the use of systems-oriented visual technologies, science, geography, electronics, music, and how things work, in general.

    For more information about the positive aspects of ASD in the workplace, read the short article, Autistic Traits: A Plus for Many Careers (Rudy, 2006, updated 2015).

    Using Interests

    The transition team needs to explore the student’s interests with him. Using interests and passions are an important consideration in the choice of jobs and careers. The following chart shows how interests can be combined to generate some job and career possibilities.

    translating student preferences

    Source: Virginia Department of Education (2010). Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Transition to Adulthood.

    Often a youth with ASD will have a topic or activity of intense interest, in which they are very motivated to invest a lot of their time and energy in. Success for young people with ASD is more likely if they are able to work in an area related to their special interests or talents. Some develop expertise in a particular field because of extensive study or the serious pursuit of a hobby

    Special interests and skills of students with ASD, even those that seem unusual, can contribute to successful employment with a good job match that builds on these interests. For instance, Cameron was extremely interested in fire alarms from the time he was very young. In elementary school, taking a break to look at fire alarms was utilized as a reinforcer for completing designated work. In secondary school, he enjoyed looking at and drawing diagrams of the interior of fire alarms. During his transition program, his special interest was utilized in a work experience as a fire alarm inspector where his knowledge and intense interest in fire alarms was appreciated.

    Grandin (2004) suggests that career exploration by youth and young adults with ASD begin with matching their passions and notes that “many successful people with ASD have turned an old fixation into the basis of a career.” This can sometimes be accomplished through a restructuring of job duties or tasks so that a youth with ASD, who cannot perform the entire job or the whole range of skills required, can successfully perform job functions of high interest. Grandin mentions that the “freelance route” has enabled people with ASD to be successful and exploit their talent area (e.g., perfect pitch, mechanical ability, artistic talent, etc.) (Grandin & Duffy, 2004.). Such customized employment has been advanced and supported through the Department of Labor and is providing new meaning to the life of young adults severely impacted with ASD, who previously would have been placed in sheltered employment. (Romano, 2009).

    Features of the Workplace

    For many young people with ASD, the type of work environment is more important than even the specific type of work. Work must fit the young person’s temperament, such as preference of working with data, people, or things; preference for indoor vs. outdoor work; working alone or with people.

    The match between the youth or young adult and a particular job’s social, physical, navigation, and production requirements, as well as environmental factors, must be considered. Some environmental conditions are more likely than others to promote challenging behaviors. For example, settings that produce high levels of sensory stimulation may tend to increase discomfort and anxiety in some youth with ASD. Some employers and work settings may be more tolerant of unusual behaviors exhibited by youth with ASD.

    Two formats are included in Appendix 3.6C to help determine job match. The Career and Job Match Assessment in Appendix 3.6C provides a format to determine and record minimum skills for specific jobs, the student’s present skill level and potential skill level with training and support, and needed training and support. The Potential Jobs and Careers for Young Adults with ASD, also in Appendix 3.6C, provides a sample of jobs and careers with requirements and characteristics of the job that may make is a possible match for an individual with ASD.

    There are general characteristics of a workplace or job role that tend to be a good match for young adults with ASD. These include, but are not limited to:

    • Quiet
    • Stable and predictable
    • Consistency and repetition with little variation from day to day
    • No excessive sensory stimulation
    • Allows for sensory retreats
    • Few distractions or interruptions
    • Low social demands
    • No direct contact with outsiders
    • Explicit supervision from an informed, compassionate boss
    • Explicit, written rules and expectations regarding such things as breaks, dress code, telephone use, etc.
    • Unconventional behavior and thinking is accepted or valued
    • Special, more technical or concrete skill or interest is employed
    • Strengths utilized (e.g., visual-spatial, attention to detail, memory for facts or figures)
    • Visually-based tasks
    • Relatively low time or productivity pressures
    • Accuracy more important than speed
    • Built-in structure to job duties and/or work environment
    • Logical approach to tasks
    • Clearly defined work tasks, specification and expectations
    • Work results measured quantitatively and absolutely

    Few workplaces or job roles meet all these conditions. The importance of each characteristic will vary according to the traits of individuals. Supports, such as those listed in Potential SUpports for Employment in Appendix 3.6C, can accommodate for the lack of some of these characteristics. However, workplaces and jobs that have the characteristics most important to the individual young adult with ASD will result in the highest job satisfaction and success.

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    What types of skills should I teach my student(s) with ASD related to work?

    The specific skills to be taught will depend on the needs of the individual student with ASD. However, youth with ASD require systematic, carefully planned direct instruction in not only the actual skills needed for a particular career or job, but also for a variety of other skills that are necessary to find and maintain employment. Learning the job itself (“hard” skills) is typically easier for youth with ASD than the “soft” skills, such as accepting directions from supervisors, working with other people, and dressing appropriately, as well as knowing how and when to chat or joke with coworkers, what to do during breaks, and how to ask for help as needed. Mistakes as a result of poor “soft” skills are most often the reason young people with ASD lose their job. Other characteristics of ASD can also cause difficulties in maintaining a job. For instance, even the most intelligent young person with ASD may have significant difficulties with organizational aspects of their jobs, such as showing up on time, time management, accepting changes in routine, and keeping work materials organized.

    TABLE: Important “soft skills" for employment.

    social communication

    Youth with ASD usually need instruction in communication, social skills, organization, and self-regulation as it relates to the workplace even though they have the skills and abilities to perform the requirements of the job. Unit 3.1 – 3.4 of this toolkit provide advice and resources to help you provide instruction in these areas. Skills for self-determination (Unit 3.5) and independent living (Unit 3.8), such as transportation and money use, are also integral to success in employment.

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    How do I teach my student(s) with ASD skills related to work?

    The instructional methods and content will depend on the needs of the individual student with ASD and goals of instruction. Understanding both the job and the characteristics of ASD is important in effective instruction. The following steps will go a long way in creating a positive work experience.

    • Carefully plan instruction ahead of time. Youth and young adults with ASD are often rigid and prefer routines. Once they have something in their head it may be difficult to change it. If they are not taught the right thing at the right time, it may be necessary to go through the difficult process of unlearning and relearning.
    • Spend time at a job site before the student begins the job in order to understand the requirements of the job itself and the necessary “soft” skills.
    • Know the steps of the work tasks before you teach them. Clarify with the employer if everything you intend to teach is correct. Coworkers may have helpful tricks or tips to doing the work the most efficiently.
    • Know about instruction and the issues of cue dependence and motivation for youth with ASD. Staff who use the side-by-side method can actually build themselves into a youth with ASD's routine and not be able to fade out once they are built into that routine.
    • Know about evidence-based practices for youth with ASD.

    Evidence-Based Strategies

    For the best postschool outcomes in employment, staff providing instruction must be well versed in evidence-based strategies for youth with ASD. This is not as daunting as it sounds, because there are some excellent resources to enable teachers and other professionals to implement these strategies. For instance, the Autism Internet Modules (AIM) provides free online training on evidence-based strategies specific to “Autism in the Workplace”, which includes:

    • Antecedent-Based Interventions (ABI)
    • Computer-Aided Instruction
    • Differential Reinforcement
    • Extinction
    • Home Base
    • Overview of Social Skills Functioning and Programming
    • Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
    • Preparing Individuals for Employment
    • Reinforcement
    • Response Interruption/Redirection
    • Rules and Routines
    • Self-Management
    • Social Narratives
    • Speech Generating Devices (SGD)
    • Structured Teaching
    • Structured Work Systems and Activity Organization
    • Task Analysis
    • Time Delay
    • Transitioning Between Activities
    • Visual Supports

    Another excellent resource to learn about effective strategies for youth with ASD is the Evidenced-Based Practice Briefs of The National Professional Development Center (NPDC) on ASD. There are Briefs for 24 evidence-based practices that usually include step-by-step directions for implementation, implementation checklist, evidence base and supplemental material.

    Two evidence-based practices covered in the NPDC on ASD Briefs, but not in the Autism Internet Modules, which warrant particular attention, are video modeling and peer mediated instruction and intervention. Video modeling is a potentially effective method of teaching complex and multiple vocational skills. Since natural supports are important to success in the workplace, co-worker peer mediated instruction holds promise.

    The National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center provides a list of strong and moderate evidence-based instruction practices for development of youth with disabilities. (Scroll towards the bottom of the page.) Although the studies that provide the evidence base did not always include youth with ASD, these practices are also effective in instruction of youth with ASD. Skill areas and strategies that are effective to teach them include:

    Location of Instruction

    Depending on the content of instruction and needs of the student, instruction can be provided in the classroom and/or during work experiences that are part of the transition plan (Branham, Collins, Schuster, & Kleinert, 1999). For instance, job search skills like writing a resume or preparing a portfolio, as well as priming for work experiences in the community, are usually appropriate for instruction in the classroom. A job readiness curriculum with emphasis on employability skills taught both in the classroom and in work experiences, which utilizes universal design and instructional strategies effective with students with ASD, may be useful for select students with ASD. However, while other students may rely on textbooks, computer websites, and teacher lectures to learn skills, students with ASD require community-based instruction to learn skills (Virginia Department of Education, 2010).

    Youth with ASD, regardless of severity, learn best when skills are taught in real life situations (Wehman, P., Smith, M. D., & Schall, C., 2009) and community-based instruction is an evidence-based practice. The types of relationships, the ways tasks are completed, and the way coworkers interact are unique to each workplace and are governed by a combination of stated and unstated rules. Therefore, both the “hard” skills and “soft” skills for the workplace are best learned in the workplace. That means that all work experience, even job sampling, should have sufficient instructional intensity to develop competencies.

    Evaluation

    No matter what instructional strategies are used or where it is provided, data needs to be collected to determine progress. Collecting data does not need to be complicated, but it does need to be done on an ongoing basis and consistently reviewed to identify strength on the instruction and to identify areas that need improvement.

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    What supports are needed by youth and young adults with ASD in the workplace?

    Successful transition from secondary school to employment requires strategies that recognize the unique strengths and needs of individuals with ASD. Due to their complex neurological disorder, youth and young adults with ASD are likely to need significant supports regardless of their ability level (Hagner & Cooney, 2005; Hillier, Campbell, et al., 2007; Nuehring & Sitlington, 2003). Without supports, even high-functioning adults generally achieve little more in the workplace than those who are more severely affected by ASD. Young adults with ASD of all ability levels have higher rates of employment and job retention when the necessary supports are identified, evaluated and provided consistently in employment settings. It is vital to recognize that the underlying characteristics of ASD do not go away and that successfully maintaining a job in the community will usually require ongoing supports, not the typical “time limited” ones.

    A variety of information and resources for supports related to employment are provided in this toolkit. Because of the importance of supports, Unit 2 focuses exclusively on supports designed to utilize the strengths and accommodate the needs of youth and young adults with ASD. Within this unit, Appendix 3.6C provides a list of potential supports for employment that aligns with Unit 2, while Appendix 3.6A offers links to lists of reasonable and common job accommodations for individual with ASD under Supports for Employment. In addition, Units 3.1 – 3.4 offer important information and resources on supports for communication, social, organization and sensory needs that can arise in any work setting.

    Please be aware that any list of supports related to employment is not prescriptive. Since there is a wide range of abilities and needs of students with ASD, the individual supports needed to succeed in employment will vary. Career and vocational assessment that analyzes each work setting and each individual will help identify support needs and the form of those supports for specific work opportunities. Some students may need simple supports, such as a modified break schedule or rearrangement of the workstation. In other instances, more support will be required.

    Also, be aware that supports are often needed for more than the actual job. They may be necessary for how to behave in the break room, how to use the bathrooms, how to handle anxiety, how to communicate frustration, or other issues (Rosenshein, 2007). There are many possible ways to support each issue.

    The development of supports is worth far more than the time invested in developing them. Often, employers find these accommodations work to support all employees and increase production across the board. However, finding ways to efficiently and cost effectively develop supports is often an issue. Think creatively. In schools, students in a computer skills class or other classes may create many of these as individual or class projects.

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    Appendix 3.6A

    Online and Other Resources

    • ASD and Employment 
    • Guidebooks on Employment for Individuals with ASD
    • Assessment for Career Planning 
    • Instructional Material 
    • Supports for Employment
    • Employment Resources 
    • Adult Service Organizations in Oregon 
    • Online Videos 
    • Online and Other Training 
    • Practical Books and Audiovisual Material Available on Loan 
      • Books
      • Audio
      • Video

     The resources listed are available at no cost online. While terminology sometimes differs from Website to Website, the basic concepts are the same. All supports are designed to either, support youth and young adults with ASD, or can be adapted for the individual need of the student. Some websites are listed in several sections because of their relevance to more than one area.

     

    ASD and Employment

    Asperger Syndrome, Employment, & Social Security Benefits - K. Collins-Wooley, Asperger's Association of New England. This article is intended to help adults with Asperger’s Syndrome (and the parents, spouses, and mental health professionals who support them) to analyze employability, plan for any reasonable remediation of weaknesses, and identify the characteristics of jobs where adults with AS are most likely to feel comfortable and succeed. For those adults for whom competitive employment is not an option, it outlines how to seek disability benefits.

    Autism in the Workplace - Autism Speaks Family Services. This site contains stories of some individuals with ASD who are currently working in various fields captured on video. In addition to the videos, there are summaries of the steps involved in helping these individuals achieve success in a workplace environment.

    Autistic Traits: A Plus for Many Careers - About.com. This short article describes the positive nature of some traits of ASD.

    Choosing the Right Job for People with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome - T. Grandin, Autism Research Institute. This article offers job tips for those on the spectrum and suggests good and bad jobs.

    Employment and Asperger Syndrome - A. Hillier, Asperger's Association of New England. This article provides a discussion about employment and Asperger’s Syndrome, including employment preparation and strategies for the workplace.

    For Some With Autism, Jobs to Match Their Talents - Opinionator, Exclusive Online Commentary from the Times. This article describes Specialisterne (“The Specialists”), a Danish company with international offices, that is opening up job opportunities for people with Asperger’s Syndrome and high-functioning autism as software testing and data conversion and management consultants.

    Hi Ho, Off to Work We Go - 2002, D. Owens & A. Bixler, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). This presentation provides an overview of strategies for employment with individuals with ASD.

    On the Job - Autism NOW, The National Autism Resource and Information Center, the Arc of the United States. This site offers information on transition planning for job opportunities, vocational rehabilitation, supported employment and employment research.

    Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Quality Employment Practices - Institute for Community Inclusion. This "Institute Brief" contains a short overview of the types of accommodations that a person with ASD might need in the employment setting in order to be successful. Categories reviewed include: Communication, Sensory, Social, Organization, and support for the employment specialist.

    Guidebooks on Employment for Individuals with ASD

    Adult Autism & Employment - 2009, S. Standifer, Disability Policy and Studies, School of Health Professionals. This guide is written for vocational professionals, but has applicable information for other stakeholders. It includes a brief description of effective strategies and supports, such as TEACCH, Picture Exchange Communication System, Social Stories, and Comic Strip Conversations. A list of possible accommodations can be found on page 41.

    Autism: Reaching for a Brighter Future - Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council. This guide provides practical tips for the transition to work after high school.

    Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Transition to Adulthood - Virginia Department of Education. This guidebook has a section on Employment starting on p 47.

    Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide for Transition to Adulthood - Organization for Autism Research (OAR), Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center and Danya International, Inc.. This guide provides an overview of the transition-to-adulthood process. Chapter 4, starting on page 25, discusses vocation and employment, including finding a job, available jobs, and ensuring success.

    Rehabilitation of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders - 2007, 32nd Institute on Rehabilitation Issues. This manual is for VR counselors and others who are helping adults with ASD navigate work.

    Transition to Adulthood: Guidelines for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders-- Employment - Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). Section 6 of this guide, starting on p. 44, provides information on evidence based transition practices, implications and strategies for ASD, agency collaboration, and funding related to employment.

    Transition Tool Kit - Autism Speaks Family Services. This transition guide provides a section on Employment and Other Options, which describes some options.

    Working in the Community: A Guide for Employers of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders - This manual was designed to provide a general overview of the characteristics of ASD and general procedures to enhance the volunteer or job experiences of individuals with ASD.

    Assessment for Career Planning

    Assessment - National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth. This site provides information about appropriate assessment tools that focus on the talents, knowledge, skills, interests, values, and aptitudes of transitioning youth.

    The Career Clusters Interest Survey - States’ Career Clusters Initiative (SCCI). This is a career guidance tool. It allows individuals to respond to questions and identify the top three Career Clusters of interest based on their responses. This pencil/paper survey takes about fifteen minutes to complete and can be used in the classroom or for presentations with audiences who have an interest in career exploration. This survey is recommended for students with mild disabilities and a lack motivation.

    CAREERLINK Inventory - Monterey Peninsula College. This is a career assessment tool.

    Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Chall - National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth. This guide 1) describes the purposes and dynamics of four ways to assess, 2) delineates how to select and use assessment tools, both formal and informal, 3) provides practical information about many commonly used published assessment and testing instruments, 4) describes when and how to seek help or further information about assessments, and 5) reviews legal issues, ethical considerations, and confidentiality as they pertain to assessment and testing.

    Employability/Life Skills Assessment - This assesses twenty-four critical employability skill areas for ages 14-21 years identified by Ohio's Employability Skills Project.

    Employability/Life Skills Assessment: Parent Form - This parent form for ages 14 – 21 contains 24 critical employability skill areas.

    Extended Career and Life Role Assessment System (CLRAS) - Oregon Department of Education. This is the administrative manual for CLRAS, a functional assessment for students with moderate to severe disabilities, that was developed to align to Oregon’s CCG and the Career Related Learning Standards.

    O*NET® Interest Profiler™ - This site offers a self-assessment career exploration tool. This tool measures six types of occupational interests: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. A short form and computerized version is also available. This tool is recommended for students with mild disabilities who are highly motivated and independent learners; 9th grade and older.

    QuickBook Of Transition Assessments - Transition Services Liaison Project (TSLP). This guide provides tip for transition planning and transition assessment tools.

    Self Assessment: Transferable Skills Survey - Ohio Learning Network. This site provides a survey of transferable skills for students entering the work world

    Transition Planning and Application Area: Working - Iowa Transition Assessment. This site provides information on how to do transition assessment for vocational skills. 

    Transition to Adulthood: Guidelines for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Age-Appropriate Transition Assessment - Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). Section 2: Age-Appropriate Transition Assessment of this guide provides suggestions for supports for individuals with ASD related to sensory challenges, social/communication challenges, executive function/organization challenges, and ritualistic or repetitive behavior for transition assessment.

    Vocational Assessment and Its Role in Career Planning - National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth. This InfoBrief discusses career planning and vocational assessment for transition-age youth.

    Vocational Assessment for Transition Planning: Guidelines for Educators - E. Levinson & D. L. Ohler, National Association of School Psychologists. This article provides general guidelines for the integration of vocational assessment and transition planning.

    Vocational Profile - Developmental Disabilities, Oregon Department Of Human Services. This document gathers all of the essential person centered information for customized employment planning. This form may assist the transition team, including adult service providers, in collaborative plan development and review.

    Who R U? - Virginia Career Vital Information for Education and Work (VIEW). This site provides a survey to explore what job is best for an individual.

    Your Employment Selections (YES!) - This site commercially available job preference program allows youth and adult participants with limited or no reading skills to watch videos of jobs, listen as a narrator describes key tasks in each job, and select preferred ones. The program shows motion video for 120 different jobs. (Cost: $29)

    Instructional Material 

    America's Career InfoNet - CareerOneStop. This site offers career tools, occupational, industry, and state information. This site also offers videos about careers, industries, industry groups, abilities, and more.

    Avoiding Misunderstandings in the Neurotypical Workplace - B. A. Bissonnette, Asperger's Association of New England. This article offers some proactive steps to avoid misunderstanding in the workplace.

    Career and Employment Guide for Job Seekers and Employees with Disabilities - R. Jacobs, Office for Students with Disabilities, Portland Community College. This document provides a guide for job seekers with disabilities (one of the sources is the Career and Employment Guide).

    Career Clusters - This site offers information and resources on the 16 career clusters, such as knowledge and skills charts, and plans of study.

    Career Cruising - This site is an online career guidance and planning system. It provides an interactive career reference guide providing in-depth profiles of hundreds of different careers, multimedia interviews with real people in over 800 careers, career search tools, and database of colleges and universities. A guidance counselor can provide Username and Password if this program is available in a school district.

    Career Exploration - Vocational Information Center. This site provides many types of career paths.

    Career Information - U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This site provides introductory career information for students with mild disabilities in Grades 4-8. A teacher’s guide is provided.

    Career Information - Career OneStop. This site provides information about career and training. It includes tools to explore different careers, self-assessments, education and training needed.

    Connect-Ability for Youth - Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services. This site is designed to help youth with disabilities explore important aspects of going to work. The tabs to pick from include: Why work?; What do I want to do?; What can I do?; Getting experience; How do I get the job?; Can I get help?; and Getting to work.

    Drive of Your Life - This is a online career exploration game that helps middle-school and high school students learn more about themselves, higher education and careers. This free educational tool lets students answer a series of questions about themselves to learn what careers could interest them and then go on a virtual drive in their own customized car to learn more about each of those careers.

    Guidance and career counselors’ toolkit: Advising High School Students with Disabilities on Postsecondary Options - George Washington University, National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities, & HEATH Resource Center. This booklet helps guidance and career counselors help high school students with disabilities in accomplishing transitions into postsecondary education and employment.

    A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment - This 2-page pamphlet for people with disabilities provides a general explanation of the employment provisions of the ADA.

    How to Make a Resume a Step-by Step Guide - UptoWork Blog with links to many checklists and further specifics about writing eye-catching resumes.

    Internships: The On-Ramp to Employment, National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth (NCLD/Y) - This guide helps students with disabilities to get and make the most of an internship. It leads young people through the step-by-step process of finding, applying for, participating in and even evaluating an internship.

    It's My Life: Employment Guide - 2004, Casey Family Programs. This guide to employment and career development helps child welfare professionals prepare young people for success in the workplace.

    The Job Center - youthhood.org. This site for young adults with disabilities provides information about work and why it is important. 

    Jobs & Career Planning - Disability.gov. This site provides links to several job and career planning resources.

    JobHuntersBible.com - This is the official site for the book, What Color Is Your Parachute? The site also offers information on using the Internet in the job search, tips on networking and career counseling, and links to lots more.

    Job Seeking Skills for People with Disabilities: A Guide to Success - 1994, Cal State University, Northridge. This handbook is a compilation of information from different sources designed to address common questions and concerns of students with disabilities. It provides readers with basic information on setting career goals and looking for work, including special considerations for job seekers with disabilities.   

    A Life For Me - An interactive site for youth in upper elementary and middle school that lets them look at different careers, prepare for high school, etc. Similar to the SIMS: you choose a character that visits different workplaces and asks questions. There also is helpful info for families.

    LifeWorks: Explore health and medical science careers. - This is an interactive career exploration web site for middle and high school students and those helping them make decisions about their future. Users can browse for information on more than 100 medical science and health careers by title, education required, interest area, or median salary. Alternatively, the "Career Finder" can be used to generate a customized list of careers especially suited for users' skills and interests. 

    My First Resume - Career Kids. My First Resume is a fun way for students to learn how skills and interests can be translated into job skills. Filling in the information results in a personalized resume that can be printed.

    My Future - This site provides general information, articles and checklists about careers, college, military, and getting a job for young adults.

    My Journey of Self-Discovery: A Self-Advocacy Curriculum for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Central Oregon Regional Program, High Desert Education Service District. The manual provides lesson plans for teaching self-advocacy. In Unit 11: My Letter of Introduction, students describe their disability and list their accommodations.

    My Next Move - O*NET. This site provides information about occupations and the online version of the O*NET Interest Profiler. 

    National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) - The site offers information, publications, and resources about disability, education, employment, and workforce development.

    Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This site provides occupational information for a wide range of occupations. Information includes the nature of the work, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects. 

    O*NET Resource Center - This site offers occupational information, career exploration tools, job analysis questionnaires, employer guides, and technical reports. Self-directed career exploration/assessment tools can be found under Products and O*NET™ Career Exploration Tools.

    Oregon Careers 2016 - Oregon Employment Department. This publication is aimed at the career planning needs of students. It contains information about how to select and prepare for a career.

    Oregon Careers 2016 Activities Guide - Oregon Employment Department. This guide contains several short activities to use in the classroom to help students explore Oregon Careers 2016. 

    Oregon Labor Market Information System (OLMIS) - Oregon Employment Department. This site provides current information about the Oregon labor market, job openings and careers. 

    Partners in Employment - This site offers a self-study course designed to help people with developmental disabilities find meaningful jobs and jumpstart their careers.

    Paving the Way to Work: A Career Focused Mentoring Guide for Youth with Disabilities - National Collaboration of Work and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth). This plan guides mentors and mentees through a number of activities to help them think about a young person’s developmental needs and goals, and what sorts of activities, experiences, and connections can help them be achieved. 

    The Road to Work - Youths 4 Advocacy. The Road to Work is a booklet for youth on finding and keeping work. It includes five steps with activities, tips, and resources.

    Self-Directed Employment: Tool Kit for Oregonians with Developmental Disabilities - 2001, J. Sowers, D. McLean, J. Stevely, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). This toolkit provides individuals with developmental disabilities with practical information about how to direct the process of getting, learning, and keeping a job. This guide is also useful to case managers, providers, VR, and others who will be involved in helping individual to go to work. 

    Starting with Me: A Guide to Person-Centered Planning for Job Seekers - 2002, by M. Jordan, A. Sawires Yager, L. Enein-Donovan, J. Fike, M. Gilmore, L. Tautkas, Institute for Community Inclusion. This career development guide reviews a three- stage career development process, personal preferences, goals, and dreams.

    Students and Career Advisors - CareerOneStop. This page provides students access to career advisory tools for identifying interests, exploring careers, getting work experience, and finding education options.

    Student Development: Employment Skills - National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC). This site provides publications on evidence and brief description of instructional strategies for employment skills, job specific skills and completing a job application can be found near the bottom of this page. Be aware that the research for use of these strategies was not necessarily with youth or young adults with ASD.

    Teaching Networking Skills: Paving a Way to Jobs and Careers - Institute for Community Inclusion. This manual contains a curriculum to help student job seekers to become engaged in career and job exploration through Networking.

    Toolkit for Frontline Services for Youth - U.S. Department of Labor. This toolkit contains numerous worksheets to assist youth in figuring out how to address their career goals and to develop soft skills.

    Videos - Career OneStop. This site offers hundreds of job videos for exploring clusters and careers (also in Spanish), skills and abilities, industries, and work options. This site is recommended for students with mild disabilities.

    Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Can It Help You? - HEATH Resource Center. This site provides a module for vocational rehabilitation services.

    Youth - National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD Youth). This section provides materials for young people with a disability on what is needed to be successful in finding and keeping a job.

    Youth, Disclosure, and the Workplace - Office of Disability Employment Policy. This article provides the why, when, what, and how of disclosure in the workplace.

    Youthhood - This is a website to be used by students as they transition to postsecondary life.

    Supports for Employment

    ADA Employment Technical Assistance - Information and downloadable supports addressing Employment (Title 1) of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    Accommodation Ideas for Autism Spectrum Disorders - Job Accommodation Network (JAN). This site offers a fact sheet on accommodation for individuals with ASD. 

    Customized Employment and Flexible Work Arrangements - Office of Disability Employment Policy. This section of the U. S. Office of Disability Employment Policy website provides information on customized employment, a strategy for flexible work arrangements.  

    Job Accommodations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders - Job Accommodation Network (JAN). This fact sheet provides an overview of some job accommodations that might be useful for employees with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

    Transition to Work: Accommodations for Students with Autism-- Challenges and Supports for Managing Vocational Issues for Indi - 2007, M. Rosenshein, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). This table outlines the challenges, supports, and strategies for managing issues related to employment for individuals with ASD.

    Transition to Work: Accommodations for Students with Autism-- List of Reasonable and Common Job Accommodations - 2007, M. Rosenshein, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). This document provides a one page list of job accommodations.

    Video Futures Project - University of Alaska Anchorage. This document provides useful information on video self modeling as a positive behavior support for transitions, job interviews, speech intelligibility, reducing anxiety, activities of daily living such as mobility and dressing, anger management, and dating behavior. The what, when, why and types of video self-modeling are well described.

    Employment Resources

    Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network (EARN) - This site provides a free service that connects employers looking for quality employees with skilled job candidates. Discover what employers across the nation have learned: hiring people with disabilities is a great business strategy!

    Getting the Most from the Public Vocational Rehabilitation System - This article describes the vocational rehabilitation system. 

    JobAccess - This web site offers employers the opportunity to post job openings and search an online resume bank. Individuals with disabilities can search for jobs by geographical area or job category.

    National Business & Disability Council (NBDC) - This website has been developed with the goal of bringing together top talent with disabilities and Americas top employers in the private and public sector. This service is provided free of charge to job seekers with disabilities and open to applicants who have earned or are expected to earn a two or four year degree within the next six months or have completed equivalent technical training.

    Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) - U.S. Department of Labor. ODEP provides information, training, and technical assistance to America's business leaders, organized labor, rehabilitation and other service providers, advocacy organizations, families, and individuals with disabilities.

    On Jobs & Self-Employment - Disability.gov. This is a portal into the network and supports made possible by the federal government. 

    Recruitability - This site aims to link employers (who can post jobs) to jobseekers (who can post their resumes). Employers and jobseekers need to register with their e-mail addresses.

    The Redbook - Social Security Online. This site provides a summary guide to employment support for individuals with disabilities under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. 

    The Work Site - Ticket to Work - Social Security Administration (SSA). This site describes the Social Security Administration (SSA) Work Incentives Programs. Youth and adults with disabilities can explore new roads to pursue Dreams, accomplish Career Goals and get a Job. Videos describing Ticket to Work and Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) as well as a CD-ROM are embedded in this site. Hard copies of the videos and CD-ROM (one per person) can be ordered from the site.

    Adult Service Organizations in Oregon

    A Roadmap to Support Services - Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities. This publication provides information on support services and how to access them in Oregon.

    Community Developmental Disabilities Programs (CDDP) - Oregon Department Of Human Services -Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Program - This site provides a directory of county agencies for CDDP.

    Oregon Community Developmental Disabilities Programs (CDDP) in four counties served by Columbia Regional Program:
    Clackamas County: Clackamas County Mental Health/DD
    Main Line: 503-655-8640 

    Hood River County: Mid-Columbia Center for Living
    Main Line: 541-386-2620 

    Multnomah County: Multnomah County Developmental Disability Program
    Main Line: 503-988-3658 

    Wasco County: Mid-Columbia Center for Living
    Main Line: 541-386-2620  

    Employment Support for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities in Oregon - Oregon Department of Human Services. This section of the Oregon Department of Human Services website provides information on employment services for adults with developmental disabilities.

    Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS) - Oregon Department Of Human Services. Oregon's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS) assists Oregonians with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and independence.

    Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities - The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) provides leadership and community organizing training and mentoring for both individuals with disabilities and families, special education training and mentoring, an inclusive childcare project and a number of other programs, projects and activities that promote social change based on social equity and self-determination.

    Oregon Employment Department - The Oregon Employment Department offers employment information and services.

    Seniors & People With Disabilities - Oregon Department Of Human Services. 500 Summer Street NE E02, Salem, OR 97301-1073, Phone: 503-945-5811, Phone: 800-282-8096

    Services for Individuals with Disabilities - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS). This site describes the services available through OVRS.

    Supports for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, Oregon Department Of Human Services - This site describes the services offered by Developmental Disabilities.

    Work Incentives Network - This is the website for WIN, a free benefits and work incentives planning service provided by 6 Oregon Centers for Independent Living to people with disabilities who want to work.

    WorkSource Oregon - This site provides information, services and resources for job seekers in Oregon. There is also information about Disability Navigators in Oregon, and resources for job seekers with disabilities.

    Online Videos

    The Art Of Job Coaching - Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). In this web cast, Dr. Peter Gerhardt, President of the Organization for Autism Research, discusses the art of job coaching and the qualities one should possess to be an effective job coach for an employee with an autism spectrum disorder. (17 min)

    Autism and 3 Years of Successful Employment: A Gig for Jeffrey - This video is about a young man with ASD, and the strategies used to obtain successful employment. (8.5 min)

    Autism/Employment Video - Oakland Chapter of Autism Society of America. This is a short video on people with ASD in the workplace by. (7 min)

    COSAC Employment Options - This video discusses the untapped potential of New Jersey adults on the Autism Spectrum. (6 min)

    Current Employment Picture For Individuals With Autism - Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). In this web cast, Dr. Peter Gerhardt, President of the Organization for Autism Research, discusses the current employment picture for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and the possibilities that exist for future employment. (13 min) 

    Disabilities and Post-Secondary Activities - M.I.N.D. Institute Lecture Series on Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Robin Church and Derek Glaaser discuss efforts at the Kennedy Krieger Institute to help older students with ASD transition from the classroom to real-world activities such as vocational employment and higher education. (49 min) 

    Employing Individuals With Autism - Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). Randy Lewis, Senior Vice President for logistics for Walgreens and the parent of a young man with ASD, comments on the benefits of employing individuals with ASD and also offers advice to individuals with ASD who are seeking employment. (4 min)

    How DO-IT Does It - DO IT. See successful practices employed by DO-IT programs to increase the success of young people with disabilities in college and careers. (35 min)

    The Importance Of Internships - Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). In this web cast Tykiah Wright, of WrightChoice Intern Program, explains the importance of experiences such as internships for successful career development and employment. (13 min)

    Job/Career Development And Preparing The Workplace To Support An Employee With An Autism Spectrum Disorder - Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). In this web cast, Dr. Peter Gerhardt, President of the Organization for Autism Research, discusses the importance of preparing the workplace for both the individual with ASD and the employer, to create the best “job match”. (16 min)

    Learn and Earn: Supporting Teens - DO IT. In this video, parents, teachers, and mentors encourage teens to participate in work-based learning. (13 min)

    Learn and Earn: Tips for Teens - DO IT. In this video, students with disabilities show how they benefit from work-based learning experiences. (13.5 min)

    Oregon Employment First - What Will It Take - This video explores how some participants answered to the question "What will it take to get communities statewide and locally to focus on employment for Oregonians with developmental disabilities?" (4 min)

    Quick Job Interview Tips - This video provides 10 job interview tips that are easy to remember and implement. (2.5 min)

    Second Look (II) [Autistic Adults Outreach Video] - Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare's Bureau of Autism Services. This is Part II of Second Look, a 30-minute outreach video about adults with ASD. (9.5 min)

    ShoeboxTasks:Vocational Workshop for Adults w/Autism Part I - This video depicts the use of shoebox tasks and work systems for youth and young adults with ASD. (10 min)

    ShoeboxTasks:Vocational Workshop for Adults w/Autism Part II - This video shows different templates for use of adults with ASD with different needs. (10 min)

    Temple Grandin Interview with CTD - This is an interview of Dr. Temple Grandin with the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities. Many of her comments are relevant to the success of persons with ASD in employment settings. 

    Transitioning from High School to Work - Preparing Students with Autism for Adulthood - Autism Community Training. This is a preview from Autism Community Training's video page. (5.5 min) 

    Walgreens Rocks!!! - NBC News. This video shows how Walgreens is using employees with disabilities. (2.5 min)

    WatchKnow - The co-founder of Wikipedia has launched a Web site with free access to thousands of education-related videos for students ages 3-18. The new site allows students and teachers to sort through a library of online videos by content, and pick out what they need, including many videos about careers. 

    Online and Other Training

    OAVSNP Conference - Oregon Association of Vocational Special Needs Personnel (OVSNP). This site has information about the annual Oregon Vocational Special Needs Personnel (OVSNP) Conference.

    Oregon Youth Transition Program (YTP) - This site offers information about the annual YTP Statewide Conference, YTP Fall Regional Trainings, and YTP Summer Academy. Training materials from past training events are also available.

    Preparing Individuals for Employment - Autism Internet Modules. This “Autism in the Workplace” module explains strategies to support persons with autism in the transition process from school to employment. (A free registration and login are required) 

    School-to-Career Transition Self-Paced Modules - TransCenter. The modules provide an overview and orientation to main concepts, geared to help educators understand the basics of transition services.

    Practical Books and Audiovisual Material Available on Loan

    Many libraries, including the ones below, have books and videos on employment for youth with ASD to loan.

    Multnomah County Library (MCL)

    Reference Line: 503.988.5234

    Clackamas County Libraries (CCL)

    Library Information Network: 503.723.4888

     

    SRC: Jean Baton Swindells Resource Center for Children and Families

    The resources are available to family and caregivers of Oregon and Southwest Washington.

    503.215.2429

    Below is a list of books and videos on employment for youth with ASD that can be borrowed from the sources indicated. Check with your library for additional titles.

    Books

    book table book table

    Audio

    audio table

    Videos

     

    audio table

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    Appendix 3.6B

    sample timeline sample timeline sample timeline

    Source: Developed from recommendations by Baker (2005) , NICHY (1999), Wehman and Schall (2009) Colorado Department of Education (2008), National Transition Network (2009), and Oregon Autism Commission’s Interagency Transition Subcommittee (2010)

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    Appendix 3.6C

    Forms and Checklists

    • Potential Jobs and Careers for Young Adults with ASD 
    • Assessment of Work Site 
    • Potential Supports for Employment 
    • Job Match Assessment  

    potential jobs potential jobs

    More specific information about skill, ability and personality matches for specific jobs can be found at O*Net Online.

     

     

    assessment of worksite  assessment of worksite

    Potential Supports for Employment

    The use of the following supports will vary depending on the needs of the individual youth or young adult with ASD and the particular work setting and job. The categories and types of supports are explained in more depth in Unit 2: Supports.

    potential supports potential supports potential supports potential supports

    Source: Content adapted from Accommodation Ideas for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Job Accommodation Network (JAN); Job Accommodations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Job Accommodation Network (JAN); Transition to Work: Accommodations for Students with Autism: Challenges and Supports for Managing Vocational Issues for Individuals with Autism (2007), M. Rosenshein, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI); and Transition to Work: Accommodations for Students with Autism: List of Reasonable and Common Job Accommodations (2007), M. Rosenshein, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI).

     

    job match job match

    Source: Adapted from Hawkins, G (2004). How to Find Work for People with Asperger Syndrome.

     

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    Appendix 3.6D

    Glossary of Terms

     

    Alternatives to Employment Services. Any services, conducted away from an individual's residence that addresses the academic, recreational, social, or therapeutic needs of the individuals for whom it serves.

    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Comprehensive civil rights law enacted in July 1990 which makes it unlawful to discriminate in private sector employment against a qualified individual with a disability. The ADA also outlaws discrimination against individuals with disabilities in state and local government services, employment, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications.

    Annual Individual Support Plan (ISP) Meeting. An annual meeting, facilitated by a services coordinator of the community developmental disability program and attended by the ISP team members and other persons, as appropriate. The purpose of the meeting is to determine needs, coordinate services and training, and develop an ISP.

    Apprenticeships. On-the-job training and related classroom instruction provides students with disabilities an opportunity to learn the practical and theoretical aspects of highly skilled occupations. Joint employer and labor groups, individual employers and employer associations sponsor apprenticeship programs.

    Career academies. Schools create a personalized and supportive learning environment for students with disabilities by combining academic and career-related competencies organized into small learning communities

    Career Plan. Planned approach to job selection that identifies opportunities to seek out new training, expand skills, add responsibilities or new tasks. Career. A series of jobs that offer new skills and new experiences that bring a person closer to fulfilling their employment dreams. An important difference between a job and a career is that a career is planned.

    Carved Job. Employment opportunity created by removing certain aspects of a general job description to meet the specific abilities of an applicant with severe disabilities. For example, someone who wants to work as a warehouse helper meets all of the qualifications except a driver's license. A job developer could help the employer to shift the driving responsibilities to another role in exchange for another responsibility the individual could complete.

    Competencies. Areas of personal capability that enable people to perform successfully in their jobs by achieving outcomes or completing tasks effectively. A competency can be knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, or personal characteristics. The competencies required for successful performance may or may not be expressed formally by an employer.

    Competitive Employment. Employment at comparable wages and benefits to individuals without disabilities performing similar functions.

    Cover letter. A cover letter sets the stage for a resume or other "sales presentation." A cover letter highlights important aspects of a potential employer related to a job.

    Covert Audio Coaching (CAC). A coach delivers feedback from a distance through a radio transmitter to the individual being supported, who has an attached earpiece, so that only the recipient can hear.

    Created Job. A job that did not previously exist in the workplace that was created with a specific employer to meet the needs of a specific individual.

    Customized Employment. A job that is individually negotiated and developed. It is based on an individualized determination of the strengths, needs and interests of the person with a disability, and also is designed to meet the specific needs of the employer. Customized employment assumes that reasonable accommodations and supports will be identified to allow the individual to perform the functions of a job.

    Employment Networks (EN). An employment network of providers participating in the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program. The EN provides or coordinates employment, vocational rehabilitation, and support services to SSA beneficiaries using their tickets to work. In return, SSA pays the EN for employment outcomes achieved by the beneficiaries assigning their tickets to the EN.

    Enclave of Crew. A group of individuals with disabilities working in a particular setting doing the same type of work (i.e. cleaning crew). The number of people with disabilities in a crew or enclave will most often be 3-5, but will never be greater than 8 workers.

    Essential Job Functions. Fundamental duties of the employment position. These are the aspects that caused the position to be created.

    Follow-Along-Services. In supported employment, this term refers to services and supports provided to a worker with a disability after job training is completed.

    Functional Vocational Assessment. Identifies individual's vocational interests and potential using actual job tasks in a variety of environments.

    Impairment Related Work Expense. Expenses related to the items a person with a disability needs because of his/her impairment in order to work; may be deducted during the eligibility process for SSDI or SSI.

    Individual Earned Income Exclusion. Income that can be excluded for a individual under age 22 in calculating SSI benefits.

    Interactive Process. A good faith communication process between the employer and employee to identify a reasonable accommodation that allows the employee to perform the job effectively. This is an ongoing obligation of the employer and should be documented in writing.

    Internships. While spending time in a business, industry or other organization, students with disabilities gain insight into and direct experience with different types of work environments. Internships can be paid or unpaid.

    Job Analysis. The process of analyzing a job in terms of essential elements, skills needed, and characteristics to aid in job matching and training.

    Job Application. Standard forms used by employers to identify candidates who can do the job. Applications generally focus on past experience, employment history and similar information. Applications differ from resumes in that applications are designed by employers to gather information they want to know about you while resumes allow you to tell potential employers what you want them to know.

    Job Carving. A technique where a job is divided into components that can be done by a person with a severe disability. It takes a single task away from multiple “doers” and gives it to a single person.

    Job Coach. Person hired by the placement agency or provided through the employer to furnish specialized one-on-one on-site training to assist an employee with a disability in learning or performing a job and adjusting to the work environment. As the worker becomes proficient, the job coach begins "fading," spending less and less time training the worker. After "fading" is complete, the job coach continues to monitor the worker occasionally and is available when needed to assist with retraining and other support that the worker might need.

    Job Development. Assistance and support for individuals to pursue employment and obtain job placement.

    Job Exploration or Job Sampling. Opportunity given to individuals with disabilities to "try out" various job tasks to identify skills and areas of interests. Job sampling is often part of a high school special education program or may happen as a first step for adults considering supported employment.

    Job Interview. An employer-controlled meeting in which the prospective employer asks a potential employee a series of questions to determine his or her suitability for a specific job. A job interview may include a tour of the facility, skill-based assessments and/or interviews with multiple people.

    Job Shadowing. The practice of allowing an individual to observe a real work setting to determine their interest and to acquaint them with the requirements of the job.

    Mentoring. Formal process where an individual serves as a role model, trusted counselor or teacher by providing opportunities for professional development, growth and support to less experienced individuals through career planning or in an employment setting.

    Natural Environment. Place where events or activities usually occur for children who are typically developing.

    Natural Supports. Refers to the use of person, practices, and things that naturally occur in the environment to meet the support needs of the individual. These supports can be identified and formalized to assist employees with disabilities to perform their jobs. Natural supports may be formal and informal and may include mentoring, ongoing feedback on job performance, training with a co-worker and socialization.

    Negotiated Job. A job created to meet the specific potential contributions of a person with a severe disability that is negotiated with a specific employer where duties existed but a specific job description not.

    One-Stop Career Centers. Federally sponsored community centers created to serve individuals seeking employment.

    Path to Employment. A concept that identifies an individual’s preferences in moving toward employment using principles of self-determination and a set of questions and strategies that assist the Individual Support Plan team when planning.

    Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS). PASS (Plans to Achieve Self-Support) allows individuals who are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to set aside money and/or other things they own, without reducing their SSI benefits, to start a business, go to school, get job training, or for other related employment purposes.

    Portfolio. A portfolio packages photos, written answers to common interview questions, a resume, letters of recommendation, etc. to help people with significant disabilities, especially verbal communications challenges market their talents and skills to potential employers. Also used by vocational specialists in the placement process with prospective employers.

    Productivity (as defined in ORS 427.005). (a) Engagement in income producing work by an individual that is measured through improvements in income level, employment status, or job advancement; or (b) Engagement by an individual in work contributing to a household or community.

    Qualified Individual with a Disability. An individual with a disability who satisfies the requisite skill, experience, education and other job-related requirements of the employment position such individual holds or desires, and who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of such position.

    Reasonable Accommodation. Any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation also includes adjustments to assure that a qualified individual with a disability has rights and privileges in employment equal to those of employees without disabilities.

    Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as Amended. •   Presumes that individuals with disabilities, including individuals with the most severe disabilities, are generally capable of engaging in gainful employment and that providing individualized vocational rehabilitation services can improve their ability to become gainfully employed. •    Requires that individuals with disabilities be provided with the opportunities to obtain gainful employment in integrated settings. •            Requires that individuals with disabilities actively participate in their own rehabilitation programs, including making meaningful and informed choices about their vocational goals and objectives and the vocational services they receive.

    Resume. A written document outlining an applicant's skills, talents and experience. An essential marketing piece for most job seekers.

    School to Work Programs. These programs refer to general education secondary programs developed under the School-to-Work Opportunity Act of 1994, which include career education, work-based instruction experiences, and efforts to connect individuals with vocational and post-school programs.

    School to Work. Process of going to work (and being trained) in a community setting while still receiving services from the school - a way of assisting in the transition process for those individuals who are interested in having a job immediately following high school. Should begin no later than two years prior to graduation.

    School-based enterprises. Tapping into entrepreneurial talents, students with disabilities organize into a group to produce goods or services for sale.

    Self-Determination. The right to and process of making decisions about one's own life.

    Sheltered Workshop. A form of day habilitation service for people with disabilities. Participants in sheltered workshops receive minimal pay, little training and no benefits and have little or no job security..

    Substantial Gainful Employment (SGA). The amount of income a person can make after a trial work period and still receive SSI payments.

    Supplemental Security Income (SSI). An income support payment administered by the Social Security Administration that is provided to children with disabilities and adults who are disabled and whose income and assets fall below a prescribed level after accounting for social security work incentives.

    Supported Employment. A form of employment where training is done at the job site and ongoing supports are provided to maintain employment. Supported Employment is meant for persons with the most severe disabilities. Supported Employment jobs are in integrated settings and may consist of individual placement, mobile work crews, or enclaves.

    Transition from School to Work. A process of preparing a person with ASD, beginning at an early age (approximately six years of age) for a successful temporal passage of full integration into the community in terms of work, recreation, and residence.

    Trial Employment (Try Out). A process established to assist both workplace and potential employees to test appropriateness of a position. The purpose of trial employment is to determine if the employee is capable of performing the essential duties of the position, with or without accommodation.

    Video modeling. Presentation of a videotaped sample of models engaged in a series of appropriate actions.

    Vocational Profile. The Vocational Profile is a planning tool designed to assist individuals with severe disabilities, their families and friends, and human services professionals as they collaborate to generate specific employment outcomes.

    Vocational Rehabilitation. The VR program is a state-federal partnership that promotes the employment and independence of people with disabilities. State vocational rehabilitation agencies are one of the most important sources of employment services for individuals with ASD and other disabilities.

    Work Experience. A non paid experience that is a part of the individual’s transition plan. The individual is not guaranteed a job after the work experience. The individual is covered by worker’s compensation under the school that is being represented.

    Work Incentive Improvement Act (WIIA) and Ticket to Work. This law offers Social Security disability beneficiaries greater choice in obtaining the services they need to help them go to work and attain their employment goals.

    Work Incentives. A number of Social Security Work Incentives that allow a person to exclude a part of their income to maintain eligibility for SSI or SSDI. Includes PASS, Individual Earned Income Exclusion, and extended eligibility for Medicaid.

    Work Study. Jobs developed by the high school where the individual receives credit.

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