Based on the Autism Works Now! (R) Workplace Readiness Workshop, this interactive resource shows how to help students aged 14-17 develop the necessary transition skills for getting and keeping a meaningful job, with accompanying worksheets available to download.

Structured around 2-hour weekly sessions over an eight month period, the program is ideal for teaching to groups of students with autism. It covers essential topics such as organization and time management, interview skills, appropriate workplace attire, and networking. It advises on how to arrange a field trip to local businesses so students can gain experience of being in the workplace. Worksheets and questionnaires help to track progress and discover what types of job will be appropriate based on an individual's skills and interests, and the book also includes a template for creating effective resumes.

Help groups of students with autism aged 14-17 develop essential skills for long-term employment

About the Author
Joanne Lara, MA was a professional dancer before becoming a classroom education specialist and university professor. She was the founder of the nonprofit organization Autism Movement Therapy (R), based in Los Angeles, California, which certifies, trains, and licenses dancers, educators, parents, and professional service providers in AMT. Joanne was a Core Adjunct Professor at National University in LA, California and taught weekly Autism Movement Therapy classes in Van Nuys, CA, where she had a private ABA behavioral consultation practice. She produced the documentary Generation A: Portraits of Autism and the ARTS, was the executive producer of the LA musical event Temple Grandin & Friends: Autism Works Now and was a columnist for Autism Asperger's Digest and Sensory World. Susan Osborne was the Director of Workplace Readiness at Autism Works Now where she created the curriculum and facilitated weekly classes for the original Workplace Readiness Workshop. She is the founder of Spectrum Help Coaching Services which focuses on post high school transition planning for young adults on the autism spectrum. She is the former programme director of a residential and academic support program where she facilitated career training and job placements and executive functioning support for young adults with autism. She is the mother of an adult son on the autism spectrum who graduated with a public high school diploma.

Reviews
With this book, Joanne Lara and Susan Osborne present a comprehensive curriculum to prepare students with autism spectrum disorder to transition from school to employment. This interactive resource is an essential guide for teachers and caregivers working with young people to develop the necessary skills for getting and keeping a job. -- Doreen Granpeesheh, CEO, Center for Autism & Related Disorders (C.A.R.D.)
Being part of Autism Works Now makes me feel more positive about the future and possibilities to help me reach my goals. That makes me happy. -- Zachary Inkeles, author and artist, candidate, Autism Works Now, Los Angeles
Brilliant! This is essential reading for autism parents, educators and self-advocates. Joanne Lara and Susan Osborne have created the road map to successful employment in today's job market and - spoiler alert - preparation begins earlier than we were previously told! As an autism parent I am exceptionally grateful for this amazing tool. The work force needs these amazing, talented individuals, and they deserve the dignity and empowerment that comes with gainful employment! -- Shannon Penrod, host of Autism Live, producer of Autism in the Classroom
With an estimated 50,000 kids with autism reaching adulthood in the U.S. each year, thank you Joanne Lara and Susan Osborne for creating an innovative program to prepare these young adults for employment. With the help of Autism Works Now!, they will reach their full potential and lead independent, productive, meaningful lives. Hallelujah! -- Yudi Bennett, Co-Founder, Foothill Autism Alliance & Exceptional Minds
This is a much-needed resource that fills the gap in this country's school-to-job programs! -- Areva Martin Esq., President, Special Needs Network, USA
This book develops the skill set that our youth need in order to compete in the job force with dignity! -- Matt Asner, Parent, Advocate, VP at the Autism Society of America
Joanne Lara and Susan Osborne have created a comprehensive work readiness program with Autism Works Now! and their Workplace Readiness Workshop. With this valuable resource, many individuals with autism will gain the ability to get and keep meaningful employment so they can go on to become valued members of their communities. -- Alex Plank, Autism Advocate and Founder, WrongPlanet.net
Joanne Lara and Susan Osborne raise thought-provoking questions and unpack ideas relating to how we are preparing our students on the autism spectrum for life after high school. With this book, they lay the groundwork for educators and families who are helping young people develop the tools they need to work and live in the 21st Century. -- Dan Phillips, Transition Specialist, Culver City Unified School District
Employing a strengths-based approach the authors combine concepts of engaging deep interests with practical strategies for finding and keeping a job. A great step forward in making fulfilling and productive employment for autistic individuals the rule rather than the exception. -- Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D., Internationally-known educator, consultant, presenter, and author on issues related to the autism spectrum
This is the quintessential handbook for every teenager and young adult on the autism spectrum and their employers! It's a fabulous guide to making certain individuals with autism are successful in their careers and job search. Exactly what we need right now. -- Susan Corwin, Parent/Advocate
This book gives me hope that future generations of students leaving high school will be better prepared to meet the "real world" of employment and social challenges that have previously been ignored by our educational system. -- Pat Grayson-DeJong, M.Ed., parent and retired Autism Specialist, LAUSD



Book Information
ISBN 9781785927256
Author Joanne Lara
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publisher Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Weight(grams) 405g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 153mm * 16mm