Dr Temple Grandin has autism. Additionally, and more importantly, she is an agricultural scientist and professor at Colorado State University. She has authored numerous books about being autistic. She has contributed valuable insights into how autism affects learning styles, the development of social and emotional coping skills, and the creation of creative and alternative ways of processing information. Additionally, she strongly advocates for vocational training for people on the autism spectrum. High-functioning individuals on the spectrum often have few, if any, limits on how far they will advance in their careers. However, the more challenged person on the spectrum is often denied vocational training and opportunities by adult programs and school programs.
THE FIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DOMAINS Of CHILD DEVELOPMENT
● Cognitive
● Social
● Emotional
● Physical/ Behavioral
● Language/ Communication
Functioning levels in these domains vary for people with ASD. The ability to communicate, respond appropriately to directives, comprehend concepts, manage emotions, and engage in meaningful social interactions can be difficult to navigate in a workplace setting. These variations of function can create challenges for training a person with autism to develop job skills. HOWEVER, AUTISTIC PEOPLE ARE CAPABLE OF LEARNING AND MASTERING NEW TASKS. ACCURATELY ASSESSING CAPACITIES AND LIMITATIONS IS THE PRECURSOR TO DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME IN ATTAINING VOCATIONAL SKILLS FOR PEOPLE ON THE SPECTRUM.
SIX AREAS OF THE JOB MARKET THAT ARE CONDUCIVE FOR PEOPLE ON THE SPECTRUM WITH SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES IN INTELLECTUAL AND BEHAVIORAL FUNCTIONING ARE: RETAIL, CLERICAL, FOOD SERVICE, GROCERY, GAREDENING, AND ANIMAL CARE. WITH ADEQUATE SUPERVISION, THE SETTING OF CONCRETE GOALS, AND ATTENTION TO SENSORY AND INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES, INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE ONCE SEEN AS INCAPLE OF DEVELOPING VOCATIONAL SKILLS CAN LEARN AND GROW BY ACQUIRING SKILLS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO A WORKPLACE SETTING.
HOW VOCATIONAL TRAINING CREATES IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FIVE FUNCTIONAL DOMAINS
A vocational setting creates opportunities for language development, social interaction, and improved problem-solving skills, while also reducing scattered, non-functional behaviors, and creating the potential for productive volunteerism, a job, or a career. Once a student leaves high school, it is important for adult day programs to offer vocational opportunities that challenge the person with ASD to develop to their potential.
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