Career options for mildly neurodivergent

TwinsMommy

Sat, Oct 12 2024, 11:11 pm

both of my autistic 12th graders will soon do vocational testing with Office of Ohioans with Disabilities. My daughter will also get post secondary counseling because she applied to college. My son MIGHT apply to college--- we have maybe another month to decide--- he'd be applying to online only college because he is NOT a people person. Both have work skills---- my daughter became a daycamp counselor at the special needs daycamp she attended for years--- age 16 and 17 she was unpaid--- next summer at 18 she'll start getting paid. My son got vocational training through his former special ed program (for the past two years he's been homeschooling online part of each day) and through a vocational program he's been doing half days last year and this year. He deburrs metal with belt sanders and drill presses, he silk screens t shirts, he organizes grocery shelves--- he's got quite a resume for a 12th grader. The problem with both of my kids is that they are 100 % capable academically and can absolutely handle a degree program, but behaviors are tricky (my son much more than my daughter). So both will need career coaching.

At this point, my daughter likes writing, editing, proofreading, maybe teaching--- she's thinking about a BA in English. She LOVES being a camp counselor so I could see her continuing to do that if her schedule allows (if she becomes a teacher for instance). My son likes introverted nerdy stuff--- he WANTS to be a full time youtuber but of course we're convincing him of the need for a backup plan. Smile

So..... he's choosing between IT, accounting, graphic design, library science, or perhaps continuing with the skills he already has and continuing to work in a warehouse or grocery store, etc.

In short...... they choose a path the same way anyone does. What are their likes and dislikes? Where do they see themselves? School, starting at age 14, should have transition testing and services via the IEP as well. A college major doesn't even lock them into a particular path. When I went to college I planned on becoming a Rabbi. Well I'm BT now and I'm thinking the Reform Rabbinate wouldn't appreciate my shaitel and long skirt.... Smile

If they are non verbal or not work ready and you plan on guardianship and their path is group home or day program, that's ok too--- it's up to them if they can communicate their desires, AND you as the parent.