Review: Developing Workplace Skills for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The BASICS College Curriculum

Eight Principles Towards a Trauma-Informed Pedagogy

The book outlines eight principles of a trauma-informed pedagogy that can be applied to support individuals with ASD in the workplace.

1. Finding your Professional Niche
   1. Instructors should help young adults to explore neurodiversity in the workplace, and identify a workplace that fits their needs and interests.
   2. Ask young adults with ASD to begin the construction of their professional niche based on their skills and strengths.\Young adults with ASD tend to have different ways of processing information. Understanding the way young adults with ASD communicate, process, and express information.
2. The Interview
   1. There are workplace barriers as applicants are evaluated for work aspects. The interview experience is difficult for people with ASD because the focus is on individuals, and thus a connection may not be satisfied.
   2. Invite young adults to prepare in advance so that they can focus more on attempting to make sincere connections.
3. Disclosure and Self-Advocacy
   1. Provide a safe space for students.
   2. Open the door for students to receive support through legal protections and accommodations.
4. Professional Workplace Structure
   1. Young adults with ASD can prepare for workplace situations by learning self-advocacy skills and practicing communication strategies.
   2. Help young adults to understand where people are in terms of social status as communication and social engagement expectations will differ depending on professional status.
5. Stress Management
   1. Managing stress is difficult for everyone, however, it is particularly difficult for those with ASD.
   2. Help young adults to understand how to identify stressors, develop self-relief techniques, communicate about stressors, and take ownership of their reactions to stress.
6. Collaboration and Teamwork
   1. Help young adults with ASD to understand that the idea of teamwork and collaboration is something that should be managed not avoided.
   2. Facilitate relationship building among your students and help students to examine their difficulties and biases against teamwork, and develop a plan for how the difficulty can be managed effectively.
7. Water Cooler Culture
   1. Invite your students to share their strategies and skills that help them stay on topic, understand body language, make inferences about others’ perspectives, and share conversations respectively.
   2. Remind students that social competence and positive social skills are critical for success.
8. Professional Growth

   1. Invite your students to enhance their professional demeanor by participating in professional development opportunities. These opportunities include attending graduate school, earning advanced certificates, engaging in volunteer work, contributing to community projects, delivering presentations, and learning about workplace culture.

      Young professionals can expect their performance to be evaluated regularly in the workplace. It's important to teach young adults how to utilize their experiences with feedback and evaluations for their professional growth

These eight principles provide a framework that can help to support individuals with ASD in the workplace and promote their overall well-being and success.

How can employers best support individuals with ASD in the workplace, and what are the most effective strategies for tailoring support to meet their specific needs? What are the most common challenges that individuals with ASD may face in the workplace?

Developing Workplace Skills for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The BASICS College Curriculum is an insightful and practical book that provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by individuals with autism when entering the workforce. The book emphasizes the importance of providing structured training and support to help individuals with ASD navigate the workplace and develop necessary skills. In particular, the authors an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and provides accommodations for individuals with ASD. It also consists of practical advice for faculty members on how to provide effective support, including how to build a trusting relationship. The authors offer a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for anyone interested in creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace for individuals with ASD.

The book offers valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism in the workplace. The authors highlight that every individual with autism has unique strengths and challenges. The key to success is in identifying and building on those strengths while providing support for areas of difficulty. The book offers practical advice for developing skills such as communication, time management, and problem-solving. This will be particularly useful for faculty members who work with students with autism or are involved in supporting students in transitioning to the workforce.

• How can I encourage and support students with ASD in developing the necessary workplace skills, such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving?

• What are the most effective teaching methods for students with ASD, and how can I adapt my teaching style to better meet their needs?

• Have you observed notable improvements in your student's performance and learning outcomes?
  

Rigler, M., Rutherford, A., & Quinn, E. (2016). Developing workplace skills for young adults with autism spectrum disorder: the BASICS college curriculum. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.