The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Teens/adults on the autism spectrum often struggle to reach goals. Despite intellectual capabilities, they frequently are unable to obtain or complete an interview due to problems with self-presentation. They are rarely promoted. Moreover, they are hindered by poor use of time. We must address these difficult issues of hygiene, appearance and time management if we are to see greater success in obtaining and sustaining employment and attaining a higher quality of life. —  Teens and adults on the Autism Spectrum often struggle to reach their goals. According to the Autism Society of Great Britain, only 6% of people with an autism spectrum disorder have full time employment.  It is likely that many of these people are underemployed in jobs not commensurate with their credentials and ability.

—  What accounts for this abysmal situation.  Many factors account for this.  Among these factors are problems in appearance, hygiene, demeanor and communication. Many people appear disheveled, dirty or poorly dressed.  They seem unconcerned or unaware  of their appearance and appear to lack understanding of the rules for appropriate and pleasing dress.  They often find shopping intolerable and rely on old clothes rather than shop to replenish their wardrobe. They “look” anxious and are awkward. However, these issues are rarely addressed by parents, teachers or clinicians due to concerns about “embarrassing” or “offending” the student or client.  These are major impediments in the quest to obtain or complete an interview and to obtain a job of any kind.  It is a major hindrance to advancement within the workplace.  As a result , many people on the spectrum are unemployed or underemployed.  In order for teens and adults on the spectrum to achieve greater success in obtaining and sustaining employment, we must address the difficult issues of hygiene and presentation of self as well as communication skills.

Another troublesome and delicate factor is time management.  It is common for teens and adults on the spectrum to focus on areas of interest so intensely that they are unable to perform necessary tasks.

They may get engrossed in reading or working (or playing) on the computer. They are unable to extricate  themselves from the computer or other activity and  may neglect important things, including eating and sleeping.  They are frequently resistant to creating a schedule or regulating their time in any way.

One way to work on these issues is coaching.  Another option is to conduct brief workshops for teenagers and for adults on the spectrum.  Two model workshops have been developed to illustrate a way of addressing difficult issues in a less confrontational manner.   “Presenting Yourself” is  a respectful, yet direct program targeting hygiene and appearance, while “Keeping Your Balance” is  an amusing yet serious look at time management.  Similar workshops for teenagers and adults on the spectrum have been successful in addressing several important issues  including the topics of transition, college planning and preparing for independent life.   If we are committed to helping our children, students or clients to achieve their goals, we must address the most significant obstacles.  This workshop will introduce two powerpoints; one designed to  provide very specific steps  for the individual with AS to evaluate how they “present” and how to improve that “presentation”.  A second powerpoint targets strategies for managing time.

The use of workshops to target difficult issues within the AS population has several advantages. Most important is that the individual doesn’t feel singled out and “under attack” as they might in a coaching or counseling setting.   Within the group, participants can maintain some anonymity.  They can focus on  the content rather than attempting to ward off direct confrontation.  The workshop format is instructional, not personal.  It also provides a natural support system; everyone is this group shares a common issue.   Providing workshops for teens and adults on the spectrum has the added benefit of
expanding the social network for the participants.  Powerpoint was selected because it is familiar to most people, combines the visual with the auditory, can included graphic reinforcers, is presented rather than read silently, and exposure time can be adjusted as appropriate allowing for discussion, questions, etc.span.jajahWrapper { font-size:1em; color:#B11196; text-decoration:underline; } a.jajahLink { color:#000000; text-decoration:none; } span.jajahInLink:hover { background-color:#B11196; }

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