Skills related to executive functioning, independent living, social communication, and self-advocacy are necessary for autistic students to succeed in college. These essential skills transfer to the workplace, where autistic employees must understand how to navigate discussions about disclosure, request accommodations, and adapt to new business environments. Join OAR this fall for three webinars that will offer practical strategies, tools, and support plans that parents, professionals, and employers can use to help autistic young adults achieve their goals.
OAR offers live webinar events for autistic individuals, their parents, educators, and other professionals who support them. The webinars are free and include a Q&A session. Those who attend the live events will receive certificates of attendance.
Exploring Skills Needed for Success after High School
September 20, 2022, at 1:00 pm, ET
Presented by: Carmen Izurieta, College Living Experience, Rockville, Md.
What is the difference between college capable and college ready? For families of autistic young adults, it often boils down to executive function skills, independent living skills, and social skills. In order to be successful in college, students need to prioritize and manage their assignments, maintain their living space, and interact appropriately with professors and peers—all without the level of support they received in high school. This webinar will explore how to prepare and integrate executive functioning, social, and self-advocacy skills into transition planning.
College Living Experience (CLE) provides support to young adults, ages 18 to 26, who are interested in living independently, taking college classes, or pursuing a career. There are seven centers nationwide, with one in nearby Rockville, Md. Students live in apartments with support from CLE staff, including a resident advisor on site. Sessions in the apartment help residents master skills such as weekly chores, meal planning, cooking, and managing a budget to pay bills. Students can take classes at a nearby college and receive daily academic and executive function support from tutors at the CLE Center. They can also choose a career path, receiving support in pre-employment skills, help with a job search, and job coaching once employed. CLE has an active social component with group outings several times per week, weekly small group sessions, and one-to-one social coaching. Call the CLE admissions line at 800-486-5058 or visit the CLE website.
Carmen Izurieta serves as the National Director of Outreach for College Living Experience, a national post-secondary program for students with exceptionalities. Throughout her career, she has pursued her mission to help and empower students to find their true potential. She currently holds a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor’s in Public Relations. In her current role, she has married both professional backgrounds in hopes of making a long-lasting and positive impact in the education community.
Business Practices and Soft Skills that Lead to Employment Success
November 10, 2022, at 11:00 am, ET
Presented by: Alissa Brooke, MS, CRC, and Jennifer McDonough, MS, CRC, PBSF
Neurodivergent individuals face numerous barriers to employment as they transition into the workforce. Teaching social skills in real work settings is key to successful employment, as is educating businesses on how to recruit, support, and make necessary accommodations for their employees. The presenters will share specific examples of supports implemented in the workplace to assist individuals in obtaining and maintaining competitive integrated employment.
Alissa Brooke, MS, CRC, and Jennifer McDonough, MS, CRC, PBSF, have more than 10 years of experience implementing programs for autistic individuals and researching businesses practices.
November 16, 2022 at 11:00 am, ET
Presented by: Kolleen Sullivan
There are roadblocks a neurodiverse person may face before they even think about applying for a position within a for-profit or nonprofit organization. During this webinar, Kolleen Sullivan will discuss the skills that employers look for in their employees and ways in which an individual can gain experience using those skills to best support them in the workforce. Beyond the skills that will be discussed, best practices will be shared regarding when, how, who, and if an individual should disclose their diagnosis to an employer and what individual support systems can do to guide them through this process.
Kolleen Sullivan is an experienced career development and training professional with a demonstrated history of working in higher education within multiple areas. She is currently the regional administrative assistant for ABM Industries working in their education division, and has over ten years of experience working in the education sector.
We Welcome Suggestions and Feedback
To suggest future webinar event topics or provide general feedback on OAR’s webinar program, please contact us at webinar@ researchautism.org.
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