Paid & Volunteer Positions for Teen with Autism

Autism Job Story: From small offices to fitness facilities

“Ian began job exploration about 4 years ago at age 15. First job was shredding documents for a local non-profit. This was a job that was ‘carved’ away from the already way too busy case managers. By Ian doing the shredding, the case managers gained productive work time to be used in managing the needs of the clients they serve. Unfortunately, this ‘job’ is unpaid and considered ‘volunteer’.

Later a job folding newsletters for a real estate agent was begun. This was difficult for Ian to do from a fine motor perspective. Also the folks in the office seemed either afraid or unwilling to interact with Ian. It was clear after many visits that Ian did not like going to this office and the job was discontinued.

Next, Ian began to shred for a small design firm. He goes only an hour or so a week, but is paid. He enjoys working in this small office and he is well liked by the staff.

Ian also shreds at a judge’s office. He enjoys the small office and is well liked by the staff of mostly women.

Finally, Ian is cleaning at his second fitness facility. He cleans exercise mats, straightens up fitness equipment and wipes down exercise machines.

Ian is looking for other areas to explore from a vocational perspective.

He enjoys using wood working tools and likely could learn to be on a production line of some sort due to his enjoyment of mechanised processes.

Ian does well in an office environment and if in a small setting. He could learn to do well in a small retail setting where they serve many repeat customers.

Ian would work well in a team so loading and unloading, or unpacking items would also likely be a good job match for him.

Ian has his own job coach so employers would not be required to manage all the training and support. Ian’s job coach would attend work with Ian for as long as the support is needed, at no cost to the employers.

Ian has received high praise in all of his volunteer and paid job training sites.”

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