Promoting Successful Employment for People on the Autism Spectrum
The case of ?Takeshi?
?Takeshi?, a hypothetical honors high school graduate with autism, spends his days providing transportation information to dozens of lost patrons in the busy Shinjuku train station. How does an individual with autism ? a condition characterized by challenges in communication, social interaction, and interests that can get so tightly wound up they interfere with every aspect of life ? be successful in his employment?
Currently, the diagnostic and educational process employs a deficit model where the first thing a parent or teacher hears when informed about a child with autism ? are all the things they are unable to do. What about the things people with autism can do with the characteristics they have?
By reframing the characteristics of autism ? one at a time ? as neither bad nor good, but rather as potential keys for success we can examine what makes Takeshi so successful in his work.
Looking first at communication. The verbal interaction style of those on the autism spectrum who use speech as their primary means of communication tends to be factual, detailed, truthful, and repetitive. Most people seeking directions want information presented in this manner. And who has not asked someone to repeat a set of directions when lost? Takeshi?s communication style works perfectly for the job.
Social interaction involving small talk can be challenging for people on the autism spectrum. However for Takeshi, beyond the obligatory short, customary salutations at the beginning and of his interaction with customers, the topics of conversation remains fixed on the predictable subject of interest of trains and schedule ? which he is happy to talk about ? as it is one of his special interests.
Often referred to as ?restricted interests? by the diagnostic literature, reframing this characteristic as a passion or deep interest suggests finding ways to put them to work. Whereas Takeshi?s coworkers have to look up destinations, schedules, and train numbers in a reference, Takeshi has this information memorized because of his passion for trains.
Strictly because Takeshi has autism and is unbending like a bamboo tree in making sure the transportation system information he?s memorized is completely accurate he outperforms his typical coworkers on the job.
By considering what individuals on the autism can contribute to a business, organization, and society at large, we can make fulfilling and productive lives for individuals with autism the rule rather than the exception.
Stephen Shore, Ed.D., a person on the autism spectrum serves as a professor of special education at Adelphi University. An internationally known author, consultant, and presenter, Dr. Shore is dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism and helping them reach their greatest potential. ?
Source: http://asperger-employment.org/message-stephen-shore-ed-d/
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