Jackie Marquette Ph.D. Connecting ASD to Strengths, Careers, and Adaptation

r disability challenges, yet these folks want employment and/or to participate and belong in a meaningful way. The minority group with their advocates are often overwhelmed with obstacles surrounding employment, supports, management and coworker interactions, social interaction, etc. Unfortunately, the current scenario for many results: in languishing at home, under stimulated, taking medications, or self medicating to relieve suffering and depression. I don’t believe that is the best we can offer this group, a life to relieve pain or to exist playing video games most of the day. I want us to see the possibilities for the future of our young. They have extraordinary strengths and talents in creativity, the arts, and yes, emotional capability, such as, empathy. I even discovered that many with an ASD felt deep emotions, but sorting through and responding was the difficult task. With the right tools many can develop strengths, pursue certifications and university studies, have a job or a career, become self employed, and live interdependently in this world. I think the thesis that the best we can do is accept the current outcomes we see in this world: underemployment and unemployment, failure at higher education, isolated or living disconnected is morally false and politically a dead end. It begins with autism acceptance, but much more is required. I think it is ethically imperative to shift the outer world mindset forming a groundswell to assist this amazing group to pursue their preferred interests, engage preparation, and walk in the direction of their career path. The problem is we educators aren’t taught the full story about the benefit of a student’s strengths and talents. Nor are we taught about their deep passion beyond the linear progression of leaning and receiving a HS diploma, certification or a college degree. We need to retool our educational system to teach students how to access the full range of their strengths and capabilities. To do this will require all of us to see their strengths and be their believing mirrors. We must put forth effort to create positive change. When one’s life situation improves, we all benefit in society. This is the underlying purpose of my work.