Job Training for Students with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities

Preparing for life after high school starts now. Below are categories of job training, work experience, and career readiness opportunities that help students build the skills and confidence needed for meaningful employment.

1. Career Education & Exploration

Explore interests, develop goals, and learn about career paths.

• Career Development Classes
  In-school classes that help students plan for life after high school—whether continuing education or entering the workforce.

• Career Clubs (School-Based)
  Extracurricular clubs focused on specific careers or professions. A great way to build interests and connect with peers.

• Career and Technical Education (CTE)
  Hands-on training in trades and technical fields like culinary arts, construction, healthcare, and more.

• Career Exploration
  Learn about different jobs, what they involve, and what education or training is required. Helps students identify future career goals.

2. Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Gain real-world experience and build practical skills.

• Unpaid Work Experience
  Volunteer or shadowing opportunities where students learn workplace expectations and explore preferences.

• Paid Work Experience
  Part-time jobs or internships that pay students while they build real job skills in the community.

• Summer Employment
  Seasonal job opportunities available to high school students to promote independence and job readiness.

• On-the-Job Training
  Learn job-specific skills directly at the worksite under supervision—ideal for building independence and confidence.

3. Personalized Employment Support

Services designed to support students based on their individual strengths and needs.

• Discovery Process
  A guided, person-centered approach to uncovering a student’s interests, abilities, and ideal employment conditions. Leads to customized employment opportunities.

• Job Coaching Services
  Trained professionals provide one-on-one or group support to help students get, learn, and keep a job.

4. Support Services & Partnerships

Collaborative efforts that connect schools, families, employers, and agencies.

• OVR Services (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation)
  State-run agency offering counseling, training, and job placement for individuals with disabilities.

• Employer Partnerships
  Programs where local businesses partner with schools and agencies to offer mentoring, job shadowing, and training opportunities.

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Parents of individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities (ID) play a crucial role in supporting their loved ones' journey toward independence and meaningful employment. Job training can be a transformative experience, but it requires the right planning, resources, and expectations.

Here’s what parents need to know:

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1. Employment Is Possible and Valuable

• High potential: Many people with autism and ID can work successfully with the right supports.

• Benefits of work: Employment can increase self-esteem, independence, social skills, and financial security.

2. Start Early with Transition Planning

• Begin in high school: Transition planning should start by age 14-16 through the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

• Include job-related goals: Incorporate vocational assessments, career exploration, internships, and job readiness training in school.

3. Understand the Types of Job Training Available

• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services: State-run programs help individuals with disabilities find and keep jobs.

• Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS): For students in high school, including job exploration, work-based learning, and self-advocacy training.

• Supported Employment: Involves job coaching and ongoing support on the job.

• Customized Employment: Tailors a job to fit the individual’s strengths and interests.

• Post-secondary programs: Some colleges and community colleges offer inclusive programs for students with ID or autism.

4. Identify and Build Key Job Skills

• Soft skills: Communication, teamwork, time management, and following instructions are often more important than technical skills.

• Functional skills: Managing money, using transportation, or handling a schedule are crucial for job success.

• Hands-on experiences: Internships, volunteer work, or job shadowing help build real-world experience.

5. Know About Available Supports and Accommodations

• Job coaches: Provide direct support at the job site.

• Assistive technology: Visual schedules, timers, or apps can help with focus and organization.

• Accommodations: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals can request reasonable accommodations at work.

6. Tap into Community Resources

• Disability-specific organizations: Groups like The Arc, Autism Speaks, or Easterseals offer guidance, job programs, and advocacy.

• Local workforce centers: May offer training or partner with disability service providers.

• Parent support networks: Learning from other parents can be empowering and informative.

7. Address Common Barriers

• Employer bias or lack of awareness

• Transportation challenges

• Anxiety or sensory needs

• Lack of self-advocacy skills

Helping your child build resilience, practice self-determination, and advocate for their needs is key.

8. Encourage Independence but Stay Involved

• Support without overstepping: Let your child take the lead when possible, but be ready to advocate when needed.

• Focus on strengths and interests: Job matches work best when they build on what the individual enjoys and does well.

9. Plan for Benefits and Financial Considerations

• Social Security (SSI/SSDI): Understand how working impacts benefits. Work incentives and programs like Ticket to Work can help.

• ABLE accounts: Allow individuals to save money without affecting SSI/Medicaid eligibility.

10. Stay Hopeful and Flexible

• Employment is a journey, not a one-time event. It may take time to find the right fit.

• Celebrate progress, however small, and adapt goals as needed.

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IEP Goals that can help develop the foundation of job skills

30 Task Initiation IEP Goals (Task Avoidance)

11 Sample IEP Goals for Focus and Attention

15 IEP Goals for Working Memory (and Auditory Memory)

30 Task Initiation IEP Goals (Task Avoidance)

25 Impulse Control IEP Goals

17 Work Completion IEP Accommodations (Preferred and Non-Preferred Tasks)
Executive Functioning IEP Goals: 100 Practical, Measurable Goals for Special Education