Inclusion and more

Adults with autism are just like you but they face many misconceptions at work, so here are a few tips for successfully employing an adult with autism:  Tip 1:  Be patient and allow learning to happen When starting out at a new job, an employee with autism might be slightly nervous. When I started my new job at the AZ School Boards association, I was fairly nervous.  I tried to hide these feelings of nervousness as I was being introduced to my co-worker by my co-worker Kristi, who has now become a mentor to me since then.  Patience is key on both sides- for the employer and employee. This is a time of adjustment for all involved so allow learning to happen. Chances are high employees with autism will teach you something that you don't know.  Tip 2: Be inclusive Some of the best employer partners for the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center's employer program have inclusive environments. For example, GateWay Community College, has a partnership wit...

1 in 100 people have autism. Autism is known a spectrum of disabilities. There is everything from mild to moderate to severe. With the staggering statistic of people who have autism- changes are high you know someone with autism. A co-worker, a friend or a family member. Matt Resnik, one of my closest friends from high school, has autism.  Matt and I participated in Autism CommunityWorks through the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.  When Matt is at the Transition Academy, where I live, with his mom Denise, I take time to say hi to Matt. He says hi back and we talk. Fast foward to my story- I was diagnosed with autism when I was a teenager, but I felt things were different when I was in kindergarten.  I struggled to make friendships with my peers, to deal with change and how to be organized. My parents took me to see Dr. Daniel Kesler. I remember the appointment and remember feel so scared as I wondered many things but the main thing I wondered was "Could I...

In only 125 days me and my fellow Transition Academy students who are sophomores will graduate with Independent Life Certificates at the GateWay Community College graduation at Grand Canyon University.  I have spoken at GCU twice for Best Buddies. Just a short while ago,  my parents begun looking into housing options for me.  They found out the First Place Transition Academy at 29 Palms.  We toured the Transition Academy and I fell in love with the inclusiveness from the supportive neighbors and staff. Shortly after that I interviewed and got accepted.  I completed all the intake assessments shortly after being accepted to keep the process rolling.  After that my parents and I shopped for everything for the apartment. After several runs to HomeGoods, Target and other stores, we got everything.  I moved in and lived with my first roommate for a few months. Then I switched. Now I live with my roommate Joanna. We talk about life, work and programming....