Supporting Teens and Adults in Becoming the Best Self-Advocate They Can

• By: Meghan Herring, MSW, LCSW Michelle Heyman, MA Emily Judovits Trevor Marsh Ashley McClennen, MEd, BCBA, LBS (PA) John Pagnoni Melanie Schwartz Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
• January 2nd, 2023
• actually autistic, adolescents, advocacy, interview, mentoring, mentors, neurodiversity, problem-solving skills, self-advocacy, teens, Winter 2023 Issue
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The creation of self-advocacy is a story that is one of pioneering and revolution dating back as far as 1968 (Glumbić et al., 2022). Today, many self-advocacy organizations target elevating neurodiverse voices and providing space for neurodiverse individuals to advocate for themselves. The current...

Developing Confidence and Standing Up for Myself

• By: Angela Chapes Autistic Self-Advocate
• January 1st, 2022
• actually autistic, adults, advocacy, bullying, confidence, COVID-19, employment, independence, leadership, mentors, peer support, self-advocacy, support group, Winter 2022 Issue
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After I lost my mom to dementia, I had very little confidence in myself. I had no voice. People would express their opinions and I would never tell others my perspective because I had no confidence. I could not stand up for myself. If I tried, I would wind up crying instead. I let myself get...

Networking for Good

• By: Lesli Cattan, LCSW Marjorie Madfis, MBA Yes She Can
• June 25th, 2021
• adults, employment, interviewing, mentors, mock interviews, networking, networking skills, Summer 2021 Issue, training
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Most people find employment opportunities through a network of people they know, and it is well documented that professional networking is an important investment in time to begin and grow one’s career (Augustine, Top Resume). In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that “85% of...

Supporting the Transition to Employment for Adolescents with Autism

• By: Ashleigh J. Hillier, PhD University of Massachusetts Lowell
• June 25th, 2021
• accommodations, adolescents, employment, independence, job applications, job shadowing, mentors, mock interviews, motivation, neurodiversity, strengths, Summer 2021 Issue, vocational services, volunteering
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Graduating from high school and transitioning to the world of work is an extremely important and exciting milestone. However, for many young adults with autism obtaining and maintaining employment can present some unique challenges. Unfortunately, despite the vastly increasing numbers of...

Self-Advocacy and Successful Onboarding and Maintenance of Employment

• By: Casey Schmalacker Alissa Cappelleri, MAT New Frontiers Executive Function Coaching
• June 25th, 2021
• accommodations, communication, employment, expectations, language, mentors, onboarding, self-advocacy, success, Summer 2021 Issue, sustained employment
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The topic of employment struggles for those on the Autism Spectrum tends to focus on gaining meaningful work opportunities, while the conversation needs to continue by looking at sustaining employment. In a 2018 study, only 14.3% of the sample sustained employment for a period longer than 18 months...