By Janell Yonkman, MS, OTR CIP Bloomington and CIP Student Andrew McKearin
Looking for a job today can be challenging, especially for someone with autism. The application and resume submission process is all done online. No filling out paperwork or snail mailing resumes. Rarely do you ever have a point person you can contact.
The job hunt can be tough but the rewards are remarkable, especially for students on the autism spectrum who try to secure employment.
CIP's Janell Yonkman interviewed student Andrew McKearin about his experience with finding his first job out
of college.
Andrew persevered throughout the job hunt process and landed a job at Indiana University's Bookstore in Bloomington, Indiana.
His job duties include working primarily as a cashier, shelf stocking and occasional trash removal.
Andrew's interview with advisor and occupational therapist Janell Yonkman provides insight and advice for young adults on the spectrum who are searching for paid employment.
Janell: "What was it like searching for and moving through the application process for a paid position?"
Andrew: "I had applied for jobs before, so it wasn't that difficult to figure out. They mostly ask for the same
things, so it's pretty easy to get into the rhythm of it. The difficult part for me has always been actually
getting started - I'm the type who likes to put things off. The important thing, I've noticed, is applying to as many places
as you can - the more you apply, the more options you'll have, and true more likely someone will respond."
Janell: "I agree that I did have to push you to complete applications; can you elaborate on the feeling of pushing through
because it certainly was challenging at times."
Andrew: "Well, I suppose that I've always been nervous about actually starting work - it can be difficult to be pushed out of
my comfort zone in that regard. Still, spending my entire day doing nothing isn't exactly feasible, even if it sounds
at times."
Janell: "Do you recall the interview process and how you felt about that?"
Andrew: "I don't remember too much of the interviews themselves. I can say that I was usually more nervous before
an interview than I was during it. It's definitely important to remember to be polite even if you're not interested in the
job, and to keep an open mind."
Janell: "I specifically recall one interview in which I think you may have learned something. Can you speak to that?"
Andrew: "Right, that's what I was thinking of. I'll admit I didn't handle that well. I suppose I didn't know what
to expect, and I don't think I'm especially suited for that sort of job, so I think probably made my demeanor more hostile
than it should be. I like to think I was at least polite when I said I wasn't interested."
Janell: "Were you glad to have an advocate at the interview?"
Andrew: "I would definitely say it helped. There were times when I wasn't sure how to answer a question or forgot a
detail, and having an advocate definitely helped in those scenarios. Really, though, the best thing was probably knowing that
I wasn’t alone."
Janell: "What is it like having a paid position at IU Bookstore?"
Andrew: "I will say that I definitely enjoy working in the bookstore."
Janell: "How do you feel about having a part-time vs. full time paid position?"
Andrew: "I like it a lot, as I still have a fair amount of free time, and of course it's nice to get paid.
This definitely won't be a sustainable model forever, though."
Janell: "What do you like about your job?"
Andrew: "For one thing, most of the managers and other people working there are very nice and considerate, and
I definitely enjoy working there. It's almost substantially more relaxed than, say, working retail."
Janell: "What is challenging about your current position?"
Andrew: "There are times when things can get pretty chaotic, particularly at the beginning and end of the semester.
I also can feel like I'm not prepared to handle a situation sometimes, and while my managers are usually happy to help,
I do wish I could get a better handle on it to avoid inconveniencing them."
Janell: "How do you feel about having your own money and working towards financial independence?"
Andrew: "I guess I'm of two minds on the issue. On one hand, it's a very intimidating prospect, and I'm kind of
worried that I'll screw it up somehow. On the other hand, it is kind of refreshing, in a way, having more control over my
life. It definitely takes some getting used to and there are some things I need to learn in order to get it right, but I
think it's less intimidating now that I’ve started."
Occupational therapists and advisors are in a unique position to provide skilled support to adults transitioning to part-time
or full-time employment at programs such as CIP. They provide support for employment readiness, resume development, job searches, interviews and on the job support.
Throughout the hiring process, it is critically important to have open lines of communication with the adult on the spectrum
and their employer. Occupational therapists acting as a communication facilitator help the employer understand their employee
better. Most employers welcome an advocate during the interview process and providing support on the job.
Andrew is independently communicating with his supervisors, requesting time off and reaches out to CIP staff when he has
questions he is not sure about. Although he finds this job suitable for him he plans to continue to look for more work to be a
ble to financially support himself in the near future.
Andrew McKearin, CIP student and Janell Yonkman, MS, OTR, Occupational Therapist, CIP Bloomington
CIP is a national transition program for teens and young adults with autism and other learning differences, offering
summer and year-round programs nationwide. See cipworldwide.org for
more
information.
Also known as The College
Internship Program, (CIP) is a national transition program for young adults with autism and learning differences. Andrew is
enrolled in CIP's program in Bloomington, Indiana.
Disclaimer: Internet Special Education Resources (ISER) provides this information in an effort to help parents find local special education professionals and resources. ISER does not recommend or endorse any particular special education referral source, special educational methodological bias, type of special education professional, or specific special education professional.