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Real Jobs for Kids with Autism/Aspergers: A Reality and Bittersweet Accomplishment
I received a lot of feedback regarding my article: 5 Household Chores for Children with Autism. Many of you said the jobs I listed were too small and simple.
I couldn't disagree more and here's a perfect, real-life example of why...
Last week, my two children with developmental disabilities, both applied for their first real jobs and guess what? They were hired [they are 12 & 14 w/autism and aspergers respectively].
You know what else?
They were prepared. And I know it's because of the ten million, zillion, trillion 'small and simple' steps we've taken.
They were prepared for the work, they were prepared for the responsibility, they were prepared to self-advocate; at least that what's we've been busting our butts for for the past decade or so, and I saw our efforts pay off this week.
I watched - as in, I didn't intervene, speak for my kids, act on their behalf, or do any of the work - I watched. I stood by as my son with autism struggled to obtain his working permit due to the conversations he had to have.
I stood by and watched my children fill out a W-9 for taxes, including signing thier name, entering their social security numbers and so on.
I stood by and watched my boys get training from their supervisor... I even listened as they asked questions. I never opened my mouth and, man oh man, that was so hard.
I was so proud and very, very sad. I wasn't needed to the degree I was even one month ago, and I guess that's the bittersweet portion of parenting.
Another bittersweet part of this story is the reality of it all. Their work, six days per week, is quite a responsibility and going from ZERO activities to this one is quite a change for all of us.
At 5 o'clock this morning (a Saturday), I woke up the boys because they had to go to work. Now, I'm not a slave-driver, so understand this is the only day when getting up early is required.
They moaned and they groaned, but they awoke, came to life, got ready real quick and we were out of this house and into a mini snow storm at 6 AM.
They felt great and I felt even better. "Mom, I got a job" is music to any parent's ear, but to me it was much more.
It was a long term goal realized, a real life step taken, and validity of my efforts to support theirs.
Still think building responsibility can't be done by turning off the lights or wiping off door knobs?
Does your child have the ability or interest in working a traditional 'childhood' job?
What do you think about this; is this a goal of yours? Tell us all and get the discussion going!
I couldn't disagree more and here's a perfect, real-life example of why...
Last week, my two children with developmental disabilities, both applied for their first real jobs and guess what? They were hired [they are 12 & 14 w/autism and aspergers respectively].
You know what else?
They were prepared. And I know it's because of the ten million, zillion, trillion 'small and simple' steps we've taken.
They were prepared for the work, they were prepared for the responsibility, they were prepared to self-advocate; at least that what's we've been busting our butts for for the past decade or so, and I saw our efforts pay off this week.
I watched - as in, I didn't intervene, speak for my kids, act on their behalf, or do any of the work - I watched. I stood by as my son with autism struggled to obtain his working permit due to the conversations he had to have.
I stood by and watched my children fill out a W-9 for taxes, including signing thier name, entering their social security numbers and so on.
I stood by and watched my boys get training from their supervisor... I even listened as they asked questions. I never opened my mouth and, man oh man, that was so hard.
I was so proud and very, very sad. I wasn't needed to the degree I was even one month ago, and I guess that's the bittersweet portion of parenting.
Another bittersweet part of this story is the reality of it all. Their work, six days per week, is quite a responsibility and going from ZERO activities to this one is quite a change for all of us.
At 5 o'clock this morning (a Saturday), I woke up the boys because they had to go to work. Now, I'm not a slave-driver, so understand this is the only day when getting up early is required.
They moaned and they groaned, but they awoke, came to life, got ready real quick and we were out of this house and into a mini snow storm at 6 AM.
They felt great and I felt even better. "Mom, I got a job" is music to any parent's ear, but to me it was much more.
It was a long term goal realized, a real life step taken, and validity of my efforts to support theirs.
Still think building responsibility can't be done by turning off the lights or wiping off door knobs?
Does your child have the ability or interest in working a traditional 'childhood' job?
What do you think about this; is this a goal of yours? Tell us all and get the discussion going!
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