March 10, 2010
By Kate Duffy
A while back, Toni, the SpectrumConnection editor, asked me to write about how far parents should go to help their teens on the spectrum land a job. Since then, several of our Hot Topics parents have shared their kids’ job search stories with me, and I realized there was no easy answer to her question. For the most part, though, their stories revolved around the kids’ inability to accurately read situations, to remember instructions and to multitask to make a deadline. Looking at that list, it sounds like business as usual on the job for most of us — which is why it is so very important that our kids start learning about the world of work as soon as they can.
That’s why the short answer to Toni’s question is this: do what you need to do.
» READ MORE
December 3, 2009
| March 3, 2010 |
| 7:30 am | to | 9:00 am |
MARCH 3. Sean Swindler, director of community program development & evaluation for Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training — K-CART — will lead discussion. Learn how autism affects the workplace and families in our community, as well as how K-CART addresses the needs of this population. Coffee and pastries served at 7:30 a.m.; lecture begins at 8 a.m. at Regnier Hall, KU Edwards Campus, 12610 Quivira Road, Overland Park, Kan. 66213. Free and open to the public. To RSVP call Christine at (913) 897-8548 or click here.
November 12, 2009
By Kate Duffy
Inspired by the Hot Topics vocational program, Alex Krahenbuhl went to work selling his artwork.
A couple of weeks ago, while I was talking shop at Johnson County Community College’s autism conference, two of my students, Caleb and Alex, morphed into entrepreneurs right under my nose. It happened like this. The three of us were staffing a resource table, me to sell Hot Topics — a social and vocational skills program for teens and young adults on the spectrum — and the guys to sell their artwork. And, much to my surprise, they were really good at it, not too pushy and not too relaxed. They answered the same questions over and over, chatting with visitors for several hours, two dreaded chores, as we all know, for those on the spectrum.
» READ MORE
October 15, 2009
By Toni Lapp
My son has applied for a job as a sacker at Hen House. When he turned his application in, the clerk joked about his poor handwriting, quipping “were you born in 1443 or 1993?”
This is a bright, polite young man, but his handwriting looks like that of a 6-year-old.
Should Mom do some behind-the-scenes explaining or let the kid fend for himself?
Still awaiting a call for an interview.
Read on for responses..
June 29, 2009
By Kate Duffy
For many with autism, being self employed is the best way to make a living. A couple of weekends ago, I visited Poppin Joe’s Kettle Corn at the Overland Park Farmer’s Market, a prime example of small business ownership being the way to go for people on the spectrum.
Now an entrepreneur, Joe Steffy, who has autism and is nonverbal, was encouraged by his school district to live in a group home and work in a sheltered workshop. However, Joe is now thriving making popcorn at Poppin' Joe's.
» READ MORE
