Article brought to us by Autism Parenting Magazine website
How parents can help children with autism develop valuable career competencies
Key Points:
- Award-winning autism support expert shares strategies to help parents prepare children with autism for future workplace success
- Expert provides tips on developing social skills, identifying strengths, pursuing vocational training, and creating supportive work environments
- Proper preparation can significantly improve employment prospects for individuals with autism, giving them opportunities to contribute their unique talents
Finding meaningful employment is a significant milestone in anyone’s life, but for individuals with autism, the journey to workplace success can involve unique challenges.
The statistics are sobering – the unemployment rate among individuals with autism is estimated to be 80% or higher in many countries, with some research suggesting that approximately 85% of individuals with autism are unemployed, despite many having valuable skills and talents.
“With thoughtful preparation beginning in childhood, parents can help their children develop the skills that will serve them well in future employment settings,” explains Mark Blakey, CEO of Autism Parenting Magazine, an award-winning publication dedicated to improving the lives of families affected by autism worldwide.
As an experienced advocate in the autism community, Blakey understands both the challenges and opportunities that await children with autism as they grow into adulthood. Below, he shares valuable insights on how parents can help their children prepare for future workplace success.
Understanding Workplace Challenges
Many individuals with autism possess exceptional abilities in areas like pattern recognition, attention to detail, and specialized knowledge. However, navigating workplace social dynamics and unwritten rules can present significant barriers.
“Work environments are filled with subtle social cues and expectations that may not be intuitive for people with autism,” says Blakey. “Understanding these challenges early on means parents can help their children develop strategies to manage them effectively.”
Common workplace challenges include understanding office etiquette, adapting to unexpected changes, managing sensory sensitivities in busy environments, and navigating the interview process.
Building Core Skills From Childhood
Preparation for future employment begins long before job applications or interviews. Parents can integrate skill-building into everyday activities in age-appropriate ways.
1. Develop Social Communication Skills
Social communication is often cited as one of the biggest challenges in the workplace for individuals with autism. Parents can help by creating opportunities for children to practice these skills in supportive environments.
“Role-playing common workplace scenarios can be extremely beneficial,” Blakey advises. “Practice greetings, asking for help, and responding to feedback. These skills take time to develop but make a tremendous difference in workplace success.”
2. Identify and Nurture Strengths
Successful employment matches often stem from aligning an individual’s natural strengths and interests with the right job.
“Pay attention to what captivates your child’s attention and where they excel,” suggests Blakey. “A special interest in computers might lead to a career in IT, while exceptional attention to detail could be valuable in quality control or data analysis.”
3. Teach Executive Functioning Skills
Skills like time management, organization, and completing multi-step tasks are valuable in any workplace. Parents can help children develop these abilities through consistent routines and visual supports.
“Breaking tasks into manageable steps and using visual schedules can help children learn to work independently,” explains Blakey. “These strategies often translate well to workplace settings later on.”
4. Explore Vocational Training and Education Options
As children approach adolescence, exploring specialized education and training becomes increasingly important.
“A lot of high schools now offer transition programs that include vocational training,” says Blakey. “Some colleges also provide support programs specifically designed for students with autism, focusing on both academic and career preparation.”
5. Seek Out Internship and Work Experience Opportunities
Practical experience in real work environments can be invaluable for teens and young adults with autism.
“Structured internships or volunteer positions provide opportunities to practice workplace skills in supportive settings,” Blakey notes. “Even a few hours weekly can build confidence and provide insight into what types of work environments might be most suitable.”
6. Advocate for Accommodations and Support
Understanding legal rights and available accommodations can significantly impact workplace success.
“Simple accommodations like written instructions, noise-canceling headphones, or flexible schedules can dramatically improve performance and reduce stress,” explains Blakey. “Teaching self-advocacy skills helps your child learn to request the support they need.”
7. Connect with Autism Employment Programs
Specialized programs designed to connect employers with qualified candidates with autism are becoming more common across the country.
“Companies like Microsoft, SAP, and many others now recognize the unique talents that individuals with autism bring to the workplace,” says Blakey. “These initiatives often provide additional training and mentorship to help ensure success.”
Mark Blakey, CEO of Autism Parenting Magazine, commented:
“The most important thing parents can do is believe in their child’s potential and communicate that belief consistently. When we focus on abilities rather than limitations, we open doors to possibilities that might otherwise remain closed. Every child with autism has unique talents that can be valuable in the right workplace setting.
“Parents play a central role in this journey by creating opportunities for skill development, connecting with supportive resources, and advocating for appropriate accommodations. The employment landscape is gradually becoming more inclusive, with more employers recognizing the benefits of neurodiversity in their workforce.
“Remember that preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. Small, consistent steps taken throughout childhood and adolescence can lead to significant employment success in adulthood. By focusing on strengths, building practical skills, and maintaining high expectations, parents can help their children with autism find fulfilling careers where they can truly shine.”
About Autism Parenting Magazine
Autism Parenting Magazine is an award-winning publication dedicated to improving the lives of families affected by autism worldwide. Established in 2012, the magazine provides objective coverage of autism-related topics, events, treatments, and success stories, offering a valuable resource for parents seeking informed decisions and the latest therapeutic options. With contributions from professionals, autism experts, and individuals on the spectrum, the magazine fosters a supportive community while advocating for understanding, acceptance, and individualized approaches to autism care.
Sources
High unemployment in individuals with autism: Breaking Barriers: Revealing the Truth about Autism Employment Statistics
Article brought to us by Autism Parenting Magazine website
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Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
