Developing Workplace Skills for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Introduction. 1. Finding your professional niche. Lesson 1: Neurodiversity in the workplace. Lesson 2: Finding a company that works for you. Lesson 3: Creating your optimal work environment. Lesson 4: Professional tool for professional niche development. 2. The interview. Lesson 1: Preparation. Lesson 2: Making the connection. Lesson 3: Follow up. Lesson 4: Professional tool for scripting common interview responses. 3. Disclosure and self-advocacy. Lesson 1: Legal protection and accommodations. Lesson 2: Art of disclosure. Lesson 3: Tell your own story. Lesson 4: Professional tool for navigating disclosure. 4. Professional workplace structure. Lesson 1: Understanding professional communication. Lesson 2: Communication strategies. Lesson 3: Navigating professional miscues. Lesson 4: Professional tool for managing workplace communication. 5. Stress management. Lesson 1: Understanding responsibilities and identifying stressors. Lesson 2: Managing your environment. Lesson 3: Responding to stress in the workplace. Lesson 4: Professional tool for managing stress. 6. Collaboration and teamwork. Lesson 1: The purpose of teamwork. Lesson 2: Individual contributions. Lesson 3: Conflict resolution. Lesson 4: Professional tool for defining your role on a team. 7. Water cooler culture. Lesson 1: The hidden rules. Lesson 2: Learning through casual interactions. Lesson 3: Joining the culture. Lesson 4: Professional tool for creating social rules. 8. Career progression. Lesson 1: Starting over is okay. Lesson 2: Ongoing professional development. Lesson 3: Evaluation and feedback. Lesson 4: Professional tool for professional development. 9. Next steps. Appendix A: Back to BASICS chart/professional example. Appendix B: Guided discussion. Appendix C: Resume tools. Appendix D: Sample interview questions. Bibliography.