Natural Supports for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum in the Workplace

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Natural Supports for Individuals on the Autism
Spectrum in the Workplace

• Holly Lee - Educational Consultant
• Jen Bourget - WSTI Transition Coordinator
• Stephanie Mauck - Administrative Director and
  Co-Founder of WILC

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Natural Supports

• People in all areas of the student's life that
  can provide support and guidance (ex family,
  friends, co-workers, clubs, recreation centers,
  etc.)
• Intended to enhance the quality of life with
  integrated employment opportunities
• Supports the individual in a work environment to
  help achieve success
• - Example Co-worker can help mentor the
  person with a disability by socializing with them
  on breaks and after work. They can also provide
  feedback on job tasks and teach new skills.

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Appropriate Work Accommodations

• Visual Supports
• Use concrete and specific language supported by
  visuals and presented in a visual format.
• Rules of the job
• Use a schedule
• Model and demonstrate
• List of steps
• Written directions
• Task analysis

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Environmental Accommodations

• Lighting- alternates to fluorescent lights,
  natural light may be best
• Sound- quiet work space, earplugs, headphones
• Seating- provide options
• Space
• Breaks
• Sensory tools and items available

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Other Accommodations

• Employer's understanding of people with Autism
• Proactively educating employers and co-workers of
  those with Autism

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Using Special Interests and Passions

• Build on strengths
• Focus on natural skills and abilities
• Support these interests to create meaningful
  employment
• Video clip
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?v
• aYGOSz6xTNg

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Helping Cope with Change

• Stress management techniques
• Sensory regulation
• Mindfulness
• Yoga
• Down time
• Use Support Systems
• Family and friends
• Clubs and Organizations

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• Autism-specific post-secondary education
• Waterford, WI
• Program started September 4, 2012

http//www.youtube.com/watch?vr1he4Gn6TRY
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VOCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
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Resources

• Autism Speaks Transition Toolkit
• http//jobaccess.gov.
• Simone, R. (2010). Asperger's on the Job.
  Arlington, Texas Future Horizons.