This set of 10 simply-designed teaching panels is designed for individual or group work as well as small classroom work. This resource is to help guide teaching/therapy and provide structure for essential points of discussion with regard to getting ready for the workplace. The panels may also be suitable for wall display.

Projecting the pdf display or showing it on a Smart Board is a useful way to guide group discussion on the topic of vocational preparation.

This first pair of teaching panels concerns typical thoughts that can discourage young people with autism who are contemplating the prospect of work.

Our aim should not be to gloss over real challenges and obstacles – young people with autism may have many – but rather, to reduce the debilitating potential of some exaggerated or unsubstantiated concerns.

If you want to explore further regarding automatic negative thoughts, you might check out this short video and these CBT thought bubble materials.

Many people with autism are successful in work, but aversion to changes in expectations and routines can hit them hard, especially at first.

If you would like to broaden your discussion of rigidity, you could check out this video on rigidity or these Rigidity/Flexibility Cards.

Young people with autism are familiar with hierarchies in their homes and schools, but when entering the workplace, they might be confused with new and complex systems of authority and accountability. You might wish to reference portions of this simple and visual guide to hierarchies based on moveable sticky notes.

Please reference the videos and learning materials in Section 4 of this series, which is all about job interviews.

YouTube videos by autistic people about their own job preparation and interview strategies are a rich source of practical advice and inspiration – also reference in Section 4.

Quite a lot of the advice to young workers would of course apply to everyone – not just young people on the autism spectrum.

This resource is designed to be used with other materials you may access below.

Joel Shaul, LCSW

Intro: Workplace preparation resources for young people with ASD

Part 2: Workplace preparation – printable teaching panels

Part 3: Workplace preparation – Q & A cards

Part 4: Job interview skills – how to teach it and provide practice