Intensive Support • Ages 16-18 • Goal:
Get Work Experience
Action step 1.
Plan for adult employment services.
Getting adult employment services starts with a job skills assessment. The assessment is part of your IEP transition plan. It can help you figure out if you can use vocational rehabilitation services to help you find work.
In states with Medicaid waiver programs, services may include job training, placement and coaching. Find out about employment services in your state.
Resources
- From Autism Speaks about preparing for employment
- From Autism Speaks about finding vocational rehabilitation services near you
- From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on state waivers
- From the Council State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation about state services
- From Medicaid.gov on Home & Community-Based Services
Words to know
Action step 2.
Improve social communication and self-advocacy skills.
Communication is key to self-advocacy. IEP goals may include alternative methods of communication, like picture exchange or an app on a tablet. These can be helpful when communicating with new people, including coworkers. Important self-advocacy skills include:
- Saying no
- Asking for help
Resources
Words to know
Action step 3.
Build job skills and learn to work independently.
The IEP transition plan includes job skills and employment goals. You can transfer skills learned and practiced at home and school to the workplace. Identifying supports that can be transferred to work can help you build confidence in yourself as you start to work. These supports can include visual schedules or written checklists.
Resources
Words to know
Action step 4.
Set goals to develop independence and self-regulation.
Independence and self-regulation are keys to success at work. Your IEP includes goals for self-regulation, self-care and completing tasks and routines independently. Transfer strategies that work well for you at home and school to your job, like:
- Following a schedule
- Using soothing items, like a stress ball or fidget cube
Resources
Words to know
You’ve reached the end of the action steps for this support level and age group.
- To find services and providers in your area, visit our Resource Guide.
- For direct contact with a member of our Autism Response Team, call 1-888-AUTISM2 (1-888-288-4762) or en Español 1-888-772-9050.
- Send an email to: help@autismspeaks.org.