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Children often get diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder between 2 and 5 years old. Even at this early age, a primary concern of parents is "Will my child live independently?" "Will my child get a job?"

 

Let us alleviate some of your concerns. Think back to when you were 5 years old. Yes, I'm talking about the days when all you did was fly your toy helicopter or dress your Barbie doll. Have you grown and matured? Your child will too. With a little extra work and support, your child is capable of achieving a great deal.

 

Practice makes perfect. It's never too soon to begin preparing for a job. We recommend you start right now. Whether your child is 3, 6, 10 or 12, this is the perfect time. How do you do this? Assign your child a job. It's really simple, just follow these guidelines.

 

Job Specs

There is a very big difference between a chore and a job. When somebody gives you a chore, it's typically something you don't want to do but pay a consequence for not doing it. A job is something you've chosen to do. You get a fancy title. You get paid. You excel in your job if you enjoy the work. You need appreciation to remain motivated.

 

Job Criteria

These are some typical jobs which can be modified according to the age and interest of your child. The most important thing to remember is that your child MUST enjoy the job. Let your child begin to associate working in a job as fun.

 

Title: Mail Manager

Job Description - Choose duties according to your child's interest and abilities

1. Collect the mail from the mailbox

2. Put stamps on outgoing mail

3. Sort the mail in boxes according to letters, magazines and leaflets

4. Put the mail in the assigned mail draw

 

Title: Light Engineer

Job Description - Choose duties according to your child's interest and abilities

1. Switch on the lights

2. Switch off the lights

3. Give permission if others want to switch on/off a light

4. Check to make sure all lights are on/off at specific times

 

Title: Laundry Supervisor

Job Description - Choose duties according to your child's interest and abilities

1.Put the dirty laundry into the hamper

2. Make sure others have put their laundry into the hamper

3. Help put the soap into the washing machine

4. Sort the socks into different colors

5. Put all clean socks in the drawers

 

Title: Toy Coordinator

Job Description - Choose duties according to your child's interest and abilities

1. Pick a toy for everyone to play with

2. Instruct people where to sit when they play

3. Give permission if they want to exchange their toy

4. Make sure everyone puts their toy away when they're done

 

Title: Shoe Director

Job Description - Choose duties according to your child's interest and abilities

1. Put shoes in specific place in the house

2. Make sure others put their shoes in the correct place

3. Line the shoes up in size order

4. Make a pattern with the shoes

5. Give permission if people want to remove their shoes from the assigned spot

 

Visual schedule

Make sure your child sees what a great job he's doing and how he's getting rewarded. The following is a sample visual schedule we suggest using. Tape the visual schedule on the wall. Each day, show your child the visual schedule. Check off the "Job Complete" box and allow your child to check off the "Paid" box. Remind your child of the final goal as he saves his salary.

 

Payment plan

How often would you like to get paid? Probably as often as possible! The same holds true for your child. Let your child pick a final goal that he loves for example ice cream, a new toy or seeing a movie. At the end of each day, look at the visual schedule together and pay your child. It might be in toy money that he collects in a box. Perhaps it will be a sticker on the visual schedule. Let your child know that after he's saved enough money (example 10 stickers or 5 toy dollars), your child will be able to buy his final goal.

 

Extra motivation

A job title is very motivating. Refer to your child's job title as often as possible. For example, it's a good idea to say "Excuse me, Mail Manager, can I send a letter today?" Another idea is to make sure your child is in ear shot and tell your friend "We have such an efficient Light Supervisor in our house. Johnny does a fantastic job."

 

Success Formula

We are all able to succeed and accomplish great things in life. The secret ingredient is confidence and self esteem. How do we get that? It comes naturally when others have unwavering faith in our abilities, and when they openly admire and support us. Do this for your child and you will be surprised, amazed and a very proud parent!

By Jene Aviram

This article is property of and copyright 2003-2009 Jene Aviram of Natural Learning Concepts. Reference of this article may only be included in your documentation provided that reference is made to the owner - Jene Aviram and a reference to this site http://www.nlconcepts.com