Moderate Support • Ages 14-16 • Goal 1:
Set Employment Goals
Action step 1.
Think about jobs and careers related to interests and skills.
As a teen, you can be active in the earliest discussions about future employment. Start with talking about your:
- Interests, including places and activities you like
- Skills and what you’re good at
- Sensory preferences
- Social preferences
Resources
Words to know
Action step 2.
Include employment assessments and goals in the IEP transition plan.
Employment assessment is part of IEP transition planning that begins sometime between ages 14 and 16. Timing of planning depends on state law. You and your parents participate in transition planning meetings with the IEP team and help set employment goals. For many students, a job skills assessment is a first step in the transition process.
Resources
Words to know
Moderate Support • Ages 14-16 • Goal 2:
Begin to Manage Money
Action step 1.
Use cash and credit responsibly.
Keeping track of money can be hard. It’s easy to overspend! Learning how to use cash and credit cards takes time and practice. You may want to use cash for everyday use. You may need support to learn to use a wallet to organize cash, cards and receipts. Using a token system and managing an allowance can help you learn to budget.
Resources
Words to know
Action step 2.
Learn good shopping and spending habits.
Buying new things can be fun. You may like to shop in a store. Or you may to want to shop online. Supports can help you learn to shop, place orders and get good buys. For example, you can use spoken, typed or visual scripts to practice:
- Placing an order
- Asking for help
- Paying a cashier
Resources
Words to know
Action step 3.
Start planning for Supplemental Security Income.
When you turn 18 you apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is money for people with disabilities who have limited income. You have to apply for SSI at age 18, even if you already had it when you were younger. It can take a long time to apply. So get started early, well before you turn 18.
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.
