I do not understand the reason for having a boring job unless you are getting well paid. I think it is justly unrealistic to expect people with autism to work hard to learn skills to apply to a job they hate. Hopefully they are enjoying what they are doing. My mom tells me I am not realistic about hoping that all people will enjoy their work but I have to believe people must be working hard for something other than money. - Jeremy Sicile-Kira, A Full Life with Autism (Macmillan March 2012)
In my last post I wrote about the necessary life skills we need to be teaching teens on the spectrum (or any for that matter) and what employers look for when hiring. Another important area to consider is what your teen or student likes or is passionate (ie obsessed) about. Then figure out how that can help him earn money. In most cases, people on the spectrum can be difficult to motivate - unless it involves something they are really into. My son Jeremy has a really hard time with fine and gross motor skills and muscle initiation, and so learning new physical tasks requires a lot of work. Honestly, he is not going to work hard at learning new activities unless he is really interested in it, or he can be convinced that learning that skill is going to help him in an area of interest. For some on the spectrum, it is quite obvious what they are particularly interested in because they don't let you forget. The trick is to figure out how to use that interest and turn it into a moneymaker, or to find a career field that can use that particular interest or talent. That's where mentors come into play (more about that later).
For most on the spectrum, a job will be their one connection to the community, and their main activity. If a neurotypical hates his job, he usually has another aspect of his life that is bringing him pleasure - his family, his church, athletic activities. However, most on the spectrum do not have family or friends or many outside groups they belong to, so it is important to help them find work that will fulfill them in some way.
My son in not one of those whose passion was particularly obvious. There doesn't seem to be anything he is particularly obsessed about that could lead to employment. He used to love to spin tops (physics researcher?), and to follow the patterns in carpets and floor tiles (carpet checker in a rug factory?). For a while he was mostly focused on communicating about girls with his support people (beauty contest judge?). However, by having different people work with him or observe him in different environments, we have been able to come up with ideas to try out, and jobs to avoid. As well, he has developed a clear knack for writing and a passion of advocating for people with autism who don't have a voice.
When thinking about Jeremy's future money- making potential (either in a job, customized employment, or self-employment), we thought about the different strengths and weaknesses Jeremy had. The questions we asked ourselves are the same that most people should consider when helping someone on the spectrum who is considering employment. For example, we asked:
• What is Jeremy usually drawn to?
• Is there a particular subject area or skill area that Jeremy excels in?
• What, if left to his own devices, does he like to do most?
• What motivates Jeremy to do what he does?
• How successful is Jeremy at self-regulating? Does he need to work in a place with low sensory stimulation?
• What kind of situations cause Jeremy to feel anxious?
• What do Jeremy's organizational or multitasking skills look like?
• Does Jeremy do better in crowded environments or when there are fewer people around?
• Does Jeremy like moving around, or staying in the same place?
• How many hours a week of work can Jeremy handle? Will he be ok with a 40 hour a week job, or does he need a part time job?
• Does Jeremy like routine and the stability of doing the same thing every day, or does he like change?
Jeremy is interested in the concept of self-employment and did well in two self-employment experiences he tried in high school. He had a lot more control over his environment and what his daily tasks consisted of then he would have had in a regular employment situation. However, if he were to apply for a job, there are many questions he would need to ask an prospective employer (or someone would have to ask for him) during the interview process to ensure a good fit between himself and the job as well as the work environment.
The Importance of Mentors
Mentors can help figure out how to turn an interest into a job, or into a means to earn money. Temple Grandin (Thinking in Pictures; Developing Talents) speaks often about the importance of mentors in helping to turn interests into marketable skills. That is what helped her become the success she is today. Temple had mentors from her science teacher at school to her aunt, from family friends to colleagues who were crucial to her success. If your child appears to have skills or a real interest in a specific area, someone who works in that field can help the child realize the application of his interests. Parents may realize their child's talent, but not know all about a certain employment area.
For example, a child may enjoy spending hours on the computer, but his parent who is an attorney, or a delivery truck driver may not know anything about the field of computers and employment possibilities. Someone who works in computers - perhaps a tech guy the family knows - can give insight to what is applicable to someone with that child's talents. Mentors can also help a student feel valued as that person will be interested in the same topic he is and will enjoy hearing what the child has to say, whereas family members may be tired of hearing about a topic they have no interest in.
More and more parents are getting involved in schools and their communities to create clubs or workshops based on interests their child has. Either they could not find a good match for their teen or wanted an environment more conducive to their teen on the spectrum. Partnering with others is a great idea as it provides a safe environment for a teen to practice social skills as well. Sharing resources and expertise is a great way for parents to create a support group in the community as well.
