Comments on: The Struggle to Find a Job: An Autism Job Request

By: Jan Balch

Jan Balch — Wed, 11 May 2011 12:56:00 +0000

Wow, does this sound familiar…this young man’s story could be my son’s story. My son, another J, has done the college, with similar results. He has PDDNOS, closely aligned to Asperger’s with only one inconsistancy. He is unemployed and on disability… but really wants a job. His “job” interviews last maybe 5 minutes, compared to other applicants who last 20 minutes or more. It is tough watching him try so hard with little to no results. He has, at this point, given up. Here in Canada there are programs but he was unsuccessful in the first one because he didn’t like the nondescript jobs they kept giving him. So, because he quit the job, he now has to way 3 years before he can switch over to another placement program that offers more career oriented positions. It is a lot of government red tape that is successfully demoralizing the disabled.

By: Angela Mayes

Angela Mayes — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 14:07:04 +0000

Hi,

Try going to your local employment office and explaining that your son is autistic and needs a job coach. Likely they’ll either test him or use his dx in order to qualify him for a state funded program that will give him a job coach.
That’s what I did to get one for myself. (I have Asperger’s).
Hope that helps you!
Angie

By: Barbara

Barbara — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:35:20 +0000

Good luck, Tiffany! I hope you were able to get some tips on our website. Please come back and leave your job story or stories (successes or failures) here on our site so others can possibly learn from them.
Thanks!

By: talfonso

talfonso — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:12:44 +0000

Same here – I’m currently suspended from college and I’m seeking a job.

By: Dema Stout

Dema Stout — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:01:46 +0000

If you are interesed in a private coach, you can contact Bill Goodyear at billgoodyear.org. He is a very experienced coach. He is also mentoring a cadre of coaches. I am participating in that project, and am also a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation with many years experience working with individuals on the spectrum and their families. A coach would work on developing a vision of what he would like to do with him, and then agree on goals and steps to take to reach them. A supportive coach can make all the difference!

The type of coaching I’m talking about is somewhat different than a job coach, per se, who often goes with the individual and supports them in learning a specific job. A Life/career coach might do some hands on things, but often coaches by phone or Skype. Check out Bill’s website.

By: Kay

Kay — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:20:16 +0000

One more thought:

In one of the other posts on this website, John Solyst of CSAAC mentioned that the ARC can help with job coaches. Check with the ARC in your area.