Workability and Autism

What happens with a teenager with autism?

Well, first they’re getting closer and closer to becoming adults.

My son is only a year and a half away from eighteen.

An adult.

His first year in high school, as a freshman, we focused on the transition to high school. Getting comfortable. Adjusting to no longer having an aide and having a foreign language class for the first time ever. Big transitions.

After the first month or two, everything settled down.

He earned good grades in freshman year and ended up enjoying the year.

Sophomore year was much better. He was already comfortable and did well with his classes.

Where is he now?

Junior year.

He finished his foreign language requirement and has a full schedule of classes.

He’s getting ready to take the SAT.

And…. We’re finally going to look into squeezing in 2-4 hours per week of some kind of real life work program. A job. In a grocery store. A flower store. A CVS. Somewhere that will give him real life work-related experience.

He’s old enough now and we believe he’s capable of handling a bit more on his plate.

What’s the plan?

Our son’s high school has a “Workability” program. This program is partnered with a state agency that assists special needs children with jobs.

After the October SAT test, our son will sign up with the program.

What does that mean?

It means that he will hopefully become a member of this program. They will help him create a resume, complete an application, and teach him how to go to interviews.

Somewhere down the road, hopefully our son will get, at least, two hours of work in some local business. He will learn how to get to a job on time, work with his employers and fellow employees, and learn the responsibilities associated with holding a job. He will either earn credit or even…some real money!

We will support him any way we can.

Our son wants to move forward with his life. We know he’s at the age and maturity to be able to handle yet another transition. We know he’ll succeed.