The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

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Autism Society records most keynote and concurrent sessions at their annual conferences. You can see and hear those recordings by purchasing full online access, or individual recordings.

5915 Turning the Tassel: Supporting the Transition From College to Career


Thursday, July 26, 2012: 3:30 PM-5:00 PM
Royal Palm 5-6 (Town and Country Resort and Convention Center)
Recorded Presentation MP3

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The transition from college to career is influenced by personal ambition, planning, having a network of contacts that can help with job leads, and finding just the right work culture to fit one’s interest and personality. College graduates living with ASD can benefit from specialized strategies to assist in this transition. This presentation provides examples of successful transitions, highlights effective strategies, and gives the perspective of business leaders who support college students with ASD as they enter into a career.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learners will recognize the importance of a transition planning process that is collaborative, strength-based, and dedicated to practical work experiences.
  • Learners will recognize the importance of advance preparation of the work site to address social, communication, environmental, and sensory challenges.
  • Learners will become familiar with specific techniques and strategies of support that help students with basic employment-readiness skills, such as building resumes, preparing for interviews, learning office-related social skills, etc.
  • Learners will become familiar with the perspective of employers on how the culture of a work environment and collaboration with service providers affect the transition process.

Content Area: Long-term Services and Support

Presenters:

Marc Ellison, Ed.D., LPC
Interim Executive Director of Training, WV ATC
West Virginia Autism Training Center, Marshall University

Marc Ellison is the Interim Executive Director of Training for the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. Marc has worked professionally for three decades to provide person-centered supports to individuals who live with ASD.

Rebecca Hansen, Ed.D.
College Program Coordinator
WV ATC

Rebecca Hansen, Ed.D., is the Program Coordinator for The West Virginia Autism Training Center’s College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Marshall University. Dr. Hansen’s dissertation research focused on understanding employment preparedness needs for college students with Asperger’s Disorder. Her area of emphasis is in student affairs issues within higher education, with specific interest in issues related to access and comprehensive supports for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Hansen holds an undergraduate degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Student Affairs Counseling. She has provided individualized and person-centered supports for students with ASD at Marshall University for over ten years.

Jackie Clark, M.A.T.
Assistant Coordinator, College Program
West Virginia Autism Training Center

Jackie Clark is the Assistant Coordinator for The College Program at Marshall University. Ms. Clark holds an undergraduate degree in History, and a master’s degree in Teaching. She is also a doctoral student with research focusing on students with ASD as they transitions into and out of college.