Job Preparation and How to Help People on the Spectrum Have Successful Employment

Perennial favorite Temple Grandin offers her insights regarding successful employment for individuals with autism. She recommends that people learn working skills before graduation from high school. She further suggests choosing a career based on preferred thinking type: visual, pattern/math, or word/verbal preference. Woven with telling the story of her own career development as an animal science professor and autism advocate, she strongly recommends access to internships and practical/hands-on training. Grandin offers advice for parents and employers as well. Grandin recommends that parents challenge their children, and not overprotect them. With respect to employers, she recommends clear communication, avoiding lengthy verbal instructions, an awareness of sensory concerns, and clear feedback.