The prevalence of autism has been on the rise for decades but has been more pronounced since approximately 2000. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 2000 the rate was documented as 1 in 150, and most recently this increased to 1 in 59.
The increased rate of autism diagnosis is in part due to a broadening of the definition of autism to an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased awareness of autism. With the broadened definition of ASD more of these individuals are of average to above average intellectual ability. More than ever individuals with autism are seeking college degrees and preparing for careers.
Jude was a fully included high school student with ASD; he is also non-verbal and has had a history of behavioral issues. Given a behavior support plan and communication device he completed high school successfully. While in high school he participated in Person Center Planning. In the process of developing that plan Jude and his team all agreed he loved to watch water.
The school had a horticulture course, which Jude and his team thought might interest him. Jude’s first role was watering, keeping with his interest. Soon it was discovered that he had abilities in plant care, pruning, and weeding. This led to a job at a local nursery and courses in the local junior college and now as an adult he works on an organic farm. What led to Jude’s success? Jude’s self-advocacy and a team planning process with Jude’s friends, family and school personnel as well as some of the seven tips presented here.
Tips for those with ASD who are preparing for college or a career:
- Find your strength and interests. Number one for all individuals preparing for college and career is to find their passion. Match that interest or strength to a major or job opportunity. Often individuals with autism choose majors in math, engineering or sciences. Individuals may need support in recognizing their strengths and matching up appropriately. Counselors can provide that support.
- Develop self-advocacy skills. This starts young providing opportunities to make choices over small decisions to eventually important life decisions. Students need to participate in 504 planning and IEPs. Prepare for participation by asking questions ahead of time, get input prior to meeting, and develop shared goals.
- Develop social skills. The social rules for different environments need to be directly taught and reinforced. Provide social rules as visuals using apps and reminders. There are professionally created videos however individuals can create their own stories in apps such as Pictello. Social skill groups offered at school and in the community are good places to learn foundations, but they need to be practiced in real world situations. Provide opportunities to socialize in clubs and teams with all abilities.
- Develop conversation skills. Often individuals struggle with holding conversations at work, during meals, and down time. Knowing what topics of conversation are appropriate to the situation can be problematic. With the help of mentors or peers develop conversation starter lists. For example, Friday lunch topics talk about weekend plans, ask about current popular movies or events. Use technology to track the lists in the built-in apps such as Notes or iBook.
- Participate in groups. Participation in group projects can be challenging for many individuals. Knowing this is a challenge, group participation needs be addressed directly. Pair with a peer or mentor in a dyad with an adult facilitator while in secondary school. Practice taking turns and collaborating with constructive feedback.
- Seek internships and connections that match with strengths. Many students get internships in high school and beyond in preparation for careers. Through community connections and school academies seek internships that match strengths.
- Develop organization skills. We all know how important those executive functioning skills are, such as organization, time management and planning for later success in school and work. There are apps to assist with schedules and step-by-step skill development. For example, in the App Visual Planner there are files for notes, activities, schedules, and step-by-step organization tools that can include time-based guides.
These tips are presented as a general guide to help close the gap in employment and college completion.
By Linda Haymes, PhD, BCBA-D
Associate Professor & Chair of Special Education
Graduate School of Education, Touro University California
