Aspergers Teens and Employment

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Question

I want to help my child with Aspergers to get employment in the field that he does well at, but there is no one out there who will give him a chance-Help!

Answer

The job market can seem like a cold, cruel place. So many individuals are competing for a hand full of jobs, hoping to break into their field of interest. It truly is a rat race. There are things you can do to help your child find his place in the battlefield of employment.

You’ve already given him a good start by encouraging him to find a career that is focused on one of his interests. Individuals with Aspergers (high-functioning autism) can have very strong obsessions. The amount of attention your child places on his obsessions guarantee that he will be extremely knowledgeable in that area. Not only that, the personal involvement makes him intensely happy.

“Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism-Updated and Expanded Edition” by Temple Grandin and Kate Duffy is an excellent resource to use while planning to help your child find the perfect opportunity. This is a thorough account on employment prospects and opportunities available for individuals with Aspergers.

An internship is a good way to get a foot in the door of a possible employer. Many companies that are under hiring freeze still have work that another person could be doing. By offering time as an intern, your child could receive valuable on-the-job training in his field of interest. It’s true that he wouldn’t be a paid employee, but once that hiring freeze is lifted, he’ll be first in line for the job.

Volunteering is another option. Although not as structured, volunteering is similar to an internship, meaning no pay. Volunteer opportunities can be found in every community. They may not be directly related to his field of interest, but he could learn how to be a good employee in many different situations. Not to mention, the volunteer hours will look really good on his resume.

Do not discredit the idea of your child accepting a job unrelated to his area of interest. Sometimes you have to work up a little bit to that preferred position. A company that does business in his area of interest may have openings in another department. Lateral moves happen all the time. And if it doesn’t, he will have solid work experience to add to his resume when he’s ready to make the jump into his desired field.

Finding employment based on your child’s interest will assure a successful and enjoyable career. These tips and suggestions should get you started building your child’s resume and enabling him to secure the job of his dreams.

Discipline for Defiant Aspergers Teens

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