fulfi lling, can encourage creativity and
can inspire them to dream big and take
ownership of their future.

Play out several mock
interview scenarios
In anticipation of the unpredictable
nature of interviews, run a few diff erent
scenarios with a mix of questions so that
you can talk through potential responses
with your teen and prepare them for the
uncertainty. This allows them the oppor-
tunity to work through those challenges
in an environment where they feel safe
and comfortable and with someone they
know and trust. It can even be helpful to
ask another friend or family member to
conduct one of the mock scenarios so that
they can practice with diff erent interview
styles and generalize their skills.

Provide a toolkit for
self-advocacy As your teen explores job opportunities,
it’s important to be both realistic and sup-
portive. We know all too well the harsh
realities of this world and how cruel peo-
ple can be. There’s a possibility your teen
will face disrespect, discrimination, and
rejection along the way. Consider how
ALL THE RIGHT
RESOURCES …
AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!
According to
Autism Speaks,
nearly half of
25-year-olds with
autism have never
held a paying job.

you can equip your teen to face those cir-
cumstances when they arise, whether it’s
during the hiring process or once they’ve
landed the job. This can include educat-
ing them about the types of interview
questions that employers legally should
or shouldn’t be asking as well as shar-
ing ideas for how they can message their
strengths and skills.

Look for community
education opportunities
See the process as an opportunity to advo-
cate for your son or daughter while you
educate your community in the process.

Take time throughout the year to reach out
to a few businesses in your community to
see if they would be interested in inclusion
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training or a workshop. This can be a
unique way to raise awareness and create
more opportunities not only for your teen,
but also for other individuals with autism.

Remember that while individuals with
autism certainly face a unique set of chal-
lenges, rejection is a universal feeling. You
can remind your teen that they are not
alone by sharing stories of individuals with
all diff erent types of backgrounds who
faced rejection before they found success.

As parents, though we want to protect
our kids from facing hurt and rejection,
we need to give them the opportunity to
explore their independence. And as a com-
munity, it’s important that we continue to
advocate for inclusive hiring practices and
workplace policies for our children and
future generations. ■
Dana Reinhardt is the education
director of HASA, a Baltimore nonprofit
that provides health, speech-language,
education, language access and
inclusion programs to people of all
ages, and oversees Gateway School,
a nonpublic school for children with
autism and other communication-
related disorders. She can be reached
at dreinhardt@hasa.org.

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