Abstract

The BASICS College Curriculum presents a hands-on approach to learning essential independence and life skills for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The third book helps young adults to translate their strengths and interests into possible careers and develop job-hunting skills that will set them on the road to success.

Students are shown how to identify their unique skill set, write an effective resume, build a network of contacts, prepare for interviews, and secure that internship position. Other possible life paths are also explored including continuing in education and studying abroad.

Ideal as a textbook for ASD college programs and suitable for young adults to use for their own self-study, each chapter has a lesson-based progressive structure, providing valuable information and advice for the student, useful diagrams, practical exercises and workbook components that can be filled in at home or in class. Self-assessment tools ensure the skills from each chapter can be reviewed and adjusted as necessary.

The book can be used on its own or in conjunction with the other BASICS curriculum books to further develop essential life skills.

An outstanding companion guide to Rigler, Rutherford and Quinn's first two volumes, which have become staples in the field. Finding a job and building a career are major issues for any student on the Autism Spectrum. This valuable BASICS curriculum gives us tools to support students through another difficult transition, out of college and into the world of work. As a student workbook or teaching resource, this comprehensive volume is a must for any service provider's bookshelf.
Jane Thierfeld Brown, Ed.D, Assistant Clinical Professor, Yale Child Study Center, Yale University, Director, College Autism Spectrum
Michelle Rigler, EdD, is Director of the Disability Resource Center at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Director of the MoSAIC Program for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder on which the BASICS Curriculum is based. Amy Rutherford, MEd, is Program Coordinator as well as a coach and instructor for the Disability Resource Center's MoSAIC Program for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Emily Quinn is Access Coordinator for the Disability Resource Center and serves in the role of coach and instructor for the MoSAIC Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Turning Skills and Strengths into Careers for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder provides a practical approach to help people with Autism spectrum conditions build self-awareness and social understanding to enable a successful transition through further education to employment. The book is filled with engaging activities to reinforce knowledge around study and work.
Jeanette Purkis, autistic advocate and author of The Wonderful World of Work: A Workbook for Asperteens