Michelle Rigler, EdD, is Director of the Disability Resource Center at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She created and runs their MoSAIC Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Having completed a Master's Degree in Special Education and worked for a number of years as a special education teacher, she embarked on a career in Higher Education in 2004 and received a Doctorate in Education in Learning and Leadership.
Introduction. 1. Finding your professional niche. Lesson 1: Neurodiversity in the workplace. Lesson 2: Finding a company that works for you. Lesson 3: Creating your optimal work environment. Lesson 4: Professional tool for professional niche development. 2. The interview. Lesson 1: Preparation. Lesson 2: Making the connection. Lesson 3: Follow up. Lesson 4: Professional tool for scripting common interview responses. 3. Disclosure and self-advocacy. Lesson 1: Legal protection and accommodations. Lesson 2: Art of disclosure. Lesson 3: Tell your own story. Lesson 4: Professional tool for navigating disclosure. 4. Professional workplace structure. Lesson 1: Understanding professional communication. Lesson 2: Communication strategies. Lesson 3: Navigating professional miscues. Lesson 4: Professional tool for managing workplace communication. 5. Stress management. Lesson 1: Understanding responsibilities and identifying stressors. Lesson 2: Managing your environment. Lesson 3: Responding to stress in the workplace. Lesson 4: Professional tool for managing stress. 6. Collaboration and teamwork. Lesson 1: The purpose of teamwork. Lesson 2: Individual contributions. Lesson 3: Conflict resolution. Lesson 4: Professional tool for defining your role on a team. 7. Water cooler culture. Lesson 1: The hidden rules. Lesson 2: Learning through casual interactions. Lesson 3: Joining the culture. Lesson 4: Professional tool for creating social rules. 8. Career progression. Lesson 1: Starting over is okay. Lesson 2: Ongoing professional development. Lesson 3: Evaluation and feedback. Lesson 4: Professional tool for professional development. 9. Next steps. Appendix A: Back to BASICS chart/professional example. Appendix B: Guided discussion. Appendix C: Resume tools. Appendix D: Sample interview questions. Bibliography.
'This book is an excellent resource to assist young adults on the Autism spectrum to successfully transition from education to employment. It helps Autistic young people to identify their strengths and address barriers to employment. Filled with practical activities and case studies, tips and strategies, this handbook helps Autistic young people navigate the social world of work and its hidden curriculum.'
- Jeanette Purkis - Autism self-advocate, civil servant and author of The Wonderful Word of Work: A Workbook for Asperteens'
