Skills for Success: Eliminating Barriers

The Cause

Skills for Success Workshops: Eliminating Barriers - Society for Autism Support and Services (SASS) is seeking funding to implement a specialized workshop series designed to enhance the social communication and executive functioning skills of autistic adults who struggle to gain or maintain employment as a result of skill differences.

Gaining/maintaining competitive employment continues to be a struggle for many autistic adults. Numerous studies indicate that individuals diagnosed with autism tend to be under- or unemployed, and many disengage from employment all together. A common challenge for many autistics is that available skill building programs are often not autism specific; therefore, they do not focus on the unique needs or address the complex challenges that autistics face. Further, many programs have limiting criteria (i.e., age or IQ), preventing many autistics from accessing the services required to build their independence and develop the critical life skills needed to gain and maintain suitable employment.

SASS’ workshop series aims to empower autistic individuals by enhancing the key social communication and executive functioning skills critical for maintaining successful employment. Participants will learn to effectively initiate conversations, interpret social cues, and navigate group dynamics. Additionally, we will focus on practical techniques such as task prioritization, time management strategies, and decision-making skills using tools like checklists, timers and charts. These workshops will aim to not only boost employability but also promote self-confidence, independence and self-advocacy. For example, improved email communication and feedback skills will enable participants to engage confidently with colleagues, while enhanced organizational skills will help them meet deadlines and contribute effectively to projects.

The workshop series would run approximately 2 hours per week over an 8-week period. The course content will be developed and refined by members of the multidisciplinary team (i.e., SLP, OT, Psychologist). Individual coaching and support will be provided to participants during the group session to ensure each participant experiences success.

These workshops aim to not only boost the employability of participants, but also promote inclusivity in the workplace as employers have positive experiences when participants are hired.

Who Will it Benefit?

The workshop series will aim to support up to 20 adult participants who identify as autistic and who report as needing additional, autism specific supports beyond what they are currently receiving through other employment programs. SASS commonly serves autistic individuals who struggle with securing, maintaining or re-engaging in employment as they do not possess the skills needed to be successful in employment. Some of their profiles include:

“A” is a 28-year-old female who has recently completed her Bachelor’s Degree. With the support of her family, she held a variety of part time jobs both during and after high school and also successfully completed her post-secondary studies. She has recently secured full time employment in her field of studies and is moving out on her own for the first time. Despite having developed some important life skills (i.e., finances, budgeting), “A” struggles with many of the other skills required to live independently (i.e., organizing her household, grocery shopping, cooking, managing car repairs, planning, etc.). With appropriate life coaching supports in place, “A” will gain critical life skills that will assist her to be successful in maintaining employment.

“B” is a 22-year-old male who lives at home with his mother. He completed high school and has previously been employed. “B” lacks the social communication skills and perspective taking skills required to manage successful workplace interactions. He is independent in many aspects of his life (i.e., navigates transportation, shops for items he wants); however, he does not have a solid understanding of managing a budget on a fixed income, is unable to cook for himself and has difficulties with prioritizing daily tasks. With access to specialized supports and life coaching, he has the potential to gain employment and support himself financially.

“C” is a 53-year-old male who lives with his teenaged son. He has held numerous jobs throughout his lifetime; however, he disengaged from employment approximately 3 years ago due to his ongoing struggles with workplace social interactions. He continues to rely on his elderly parents to provide transportation to his appointments as he no longer drives and does not feel safe on public transit. With access to appropriate supports (i.e., transportation, social skills, self-advocacy), “C” could successfully re-engage with employment, increase his independence and be less reliant on his aging parents.