The BASICS College Curriculum presents a hands-on approach to learning essential independence and life skills for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This book helps young adults to translate their strengths and interests into possible careers and develop job-hunting skills that will set them on the road to success. Students are shown how to identify their unique skill set, write an effective resume, build a network of contacts, prepare for interviews, and secure that internship position.Other possible life paths are also explored including continuing in education and studying abroad. Ideal as a textbook for college programs run by disability support services and suitable for young adults to use for their own self-study, each lesson provides valuable information and advice, useful diagrams, practical exercises and workbook components that can be filled in at home or in class, and self-assessment tools.
Introduction. 1. Comparing Interests, Talents, and Skills. Lesson 1: Understanding Skills. Lesson 2: Interests Vs. Skills. Lesson 3: Talents Vs. Skills. Lesson 4: Creating Balance. 2. Identifying Your Individual Skill Set. Lesson 1: Assessing Your Skills. Lesson 2: Defining Your Skill Set. Lesson 3: The Continuum. Lesson 4: Challenge Your Skill Development. 3. Identifying Your Skill Set Quadrant. Lesson 1: Exploring Your Quadrant Direction. Lesson 2: Identifying Complementary Quadrant Direction. Lesson 3: Building Your Team. Lesson 4: Career Exploration. 4. The Big Picture of Success. Lesson 1: Valuing Your Journey. Lesson 2: Career Preparation One Piece at a Time. Lesson 3: Making Sense of Puzzling Directions. Lesson 4: Linking Action and Opportunity. 5. Realistic Career Preparation. Lesson 1: Exploring the College-to-Career Transition. Lesson 2: Networking Potential. Lesson 3: Resume Development. Lesson 4: Increasing Your Chances. 6. The Interview. Lesson 1: Skill Set and Prep Work. Lesson 2: Verbal and Nonverbal Behavior. Lesson 3: To Disclose or Not to Disclose. 7. Work Exposure, Lesson 1: Job Shadowing. Lesson 2: Informational Interviews. Lesson 3: Career Fairs. Lesson 4: Networking with Professionals. 8. Internships and Strategically Planning for the Future. Lesson 1: Process Awareness. Lesson 2: Setting Up Support. Lesson 3: Receiving Feedback. Lesson 4: The Possibilities. 9. Alternate Paths. Lesson 1: Graduate School. Lesson 2: Study Abroad. Lesson 3: Job Vs. Career. Lesson 4: Potential Pitfalls. Appendix A: BASICS Chart Student Example. Appendix B: Guided Discussion. References. Index.
An outstanding companion guide to Rigler, Rutherford and Quinn's first two volumes, which have become staples in the field. Finding a job and building a career are major issues for any student on the Autism Spectrum. This valuable BASICS curriculum gives us tools to support students through another difficult transition, out of college and into the world of work. As a student workbook or teaching resource, this comprehensive volume is a must for any service provider's bookshelf.
