Resources, quotes, advice

What if your student doesn't know what career he wants to follow and  needs some "food for thought"? He should check out VirtualJobShadow.com; CareerVoyages.gov; Webfeet.com or MyPlan.com. These sites were suggested by the Lindsey Pollak book  Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World. Knowing what you might want to do gives a place to start your investigation.

Where to Begin?

The best place to start is with the student. What does she like to do? What are his strengths and talents? What are his ABILITIES. Yes, there are challenges but let's not start there. Motivation is an amazing thing. It can help overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Help your student discover what he can do and what he wants to do. This will make it easier to find a way to do it.Remember, most students will change majors in college. Most students will change career fields.  Good ways to "try on" vocations are: job shadowing, informational interviews, volunteering, internships, and part-time jobs. These are some of my favorite resources for discovering interests and talents:
Developing Talents: Careers For Individuals With Asperger Syndrome And High-functioning Autism- Updated, Expanded Edition

The Everything Career Tests Book: 10 Tests to Determine the Right Occupation for You (Everything Series)

Asperger Syndrome Employment Workbook: An Employment Workbook for Adults with Asperger Syndrome

Let me know what you think!

Planning for college - aspie or not!

The time has come to plan for college. When is that time? Answer: it's never too early- now is better than later, tomorrow is better than never. Are you the person thinking about your college planning- Great. Are you the parent planning for your child -Great! Make sure you both get together- this is best done as a team. Students need information and support from the family; students need to have buy-in and ownership for college to work. College is where parent advocacy takes second place to student self-advocacy. Professors and college personnel must hear from the student directly. Unless the student signs a release of information form the college CANNOT communicate with the parent/family. Checks for tuition are the exception. These however do not entitle you to information. If you are ready- check back here and get some tips for this exciting transition.
Cynthia Wirth
www.aimsphilly.com