The Aspire Internship Program is designed to help adults with high cognitive autism spectrum disorder or a related profile navigate the various aspects of the work environment while gaining important on-the-job skills. Key program features include our Aspire career counselors and weekly seminars designed to optimize the internship experience.
GOALS OF INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
- To help interns learn the social aspects needed to succeed in the workplace.
- To assist interns in identifying and managing their challenges while recognizing and developing their strengths.
- To empower interns to enhance their skill set and build their confidence to be independent in the workplace.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants are adults, aged 18 and over with high cognitive autism spectrum disorder or a related profile. These men and women have average and above average overall intellectual skills. Interns must be motivated to become independent. While participants can be skilled in various aspects of a job or task, they have challenges navigating the social world and understanding a work culture. Participants must have completed high school.
THE CAREER COUNSELOR
Aspire’s highly trained and supportive career counselors help interns integrate into their work sites and navigate the various aspects of the work environment. Additionally, the career counselor supports the interns’ workplace supervisor through an initial workshop and ongoing consultation to guide best practices specific to each particular intern.
ON-GOING EDUCATION AND TRAINING
All interns meet at Aspire weekly to review their experiences and to receive on-going education on the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. This session will cover such topics as:
- Resume and cover letter
- Interview skills
- Making small talk in the workplace
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Prioritization
- Strategies for managing anxiety and unexpected changes
- Self-advocacy
- Networking
