As if getting the diagnosis and fighting for
services for a child on the spectrum isn't hard enough, school and work
present more challenges as time goes on. Autism does not go away and it
can't be cured. Problems can be mitigated and new behaviors can be
learned. Still, it takes a village.
Students on the spectrum can be ostracized, have social
difficulties, and feel rejected by their peers. They can develop
depression or other problems that can inhibit their academic work. We've
come a long way from the dark ages of people being locked away in
mental institutions, and autism is a popular topic now. There are even
three different shows on TV that I can think of - The Good Doctor, The A
Word, Atypical. Even with all this awareness we need more acceptance.
I'm hopeful that this positive trend will continue.
Transitioning to college can be difficult, but more and
more colleges - RIT and CMU, for example - are putting up special
programs to help autistic students. This is also a positive trend.
The next step is working on transitioning from school to
work - schools are connecting with nonprofits like Specialisterne to
help develop models of training for schools and employers to help cross
the bridge. More and more employers are helping, too. These students
need training in interviewing and the realities of the workplace, and
employers need to learn how to accommodate their autistic new hires by
training management and staff.
If you're interested in helping, look for a local nonprofit
in your area like Abilities First, Arc, Autism Society of America, or
call a local high school or college and ask if they have a special
program to help kids transition from grade school to college to work.
You can help by going and talking about your work, reviewing resumes, or
helping the students interview.
