Presentation Overview

JAN is a service of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.

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Self-Employment: A Customized Career Strategy for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

(ASD)

Kim Cordingly, Ph.D., Lead Consultant

and

Melanie Whetzel, M.A., Senior Consultant

Introduction to JAN services Consultant team collaboration Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) ASD limitations and employment ASD accommodations – an overview Self-employment; microenterprise; customized

employment Benefits and challenges Overview of the business development process Examples from JAN’s customers Questions and answers

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Presentation Overview

Overview Job Accommodation Americans with Disabilities Act / Rehabilitation Act Entrepreneurship

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Autism Self-Employment

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Overview – Entrepreneurship Team

Accessible by toll free phone/TTY, chat, Email, JAN on DemandComprehensive intake processIndividualized consulting and resource materials Provide local, state and national resourcesOngoing electronic and telephone access and supportJAN entrepreneurship Website accessFor-profit, non-profit,

customized self-employment, home-based business, independent contracting

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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Complex neurodevelopmental disorder that exists on a spectrum characterized by difficulties in social interaction; verbal and nonverbal communication; and sensory processing.

Recent revisions to the DSM-5 combined several previously separate diagnosis into the umbrella of ASD, including Asperger Syndrome (DSM-5).

ASD is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. (Autism Speaks).

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Limitations that may affect self-employment or small business ownership include: Communication Social skills Sensory processing Time management Stress management Organization and prioritization Multi-tasking

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Difficulty communicating with business development counselors, customers, funding professionals, and business mentors:

Inability to carry on conversations Immature speech Lack intonation and emotion Difficulty interpreting typical body language

or nonverbal innuendo

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Difficulty exhibiting typical social skills as small business owner:

Interrupting others inappropriately Difficulty in listening Not making eye contact when

communicating Difficulty interpreting typical body language

or social cues Anxiety over appropriate social conventions

in business contexts

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Difficulty processing sensory stimuli Experiencing oversensitivity to stimuli in the

work environment affecting: Touch Sights Sounds Smells

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Difficulty with organization, prioritization, and multi-tasking

Feeling overloaded with the multiple responsibilities of being self-employed or managing a business

Difficulty managing multiple tasks at the same time

Skills in one area but not another (e.g., good with photography but not accounting)

Not knowing which task takes priority over another

Not recognizing when supports and accommodations are needed

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Workplace Contrasts

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Employment and ASD CDC - 1 in 68 children diagnosed with ASD (2014) Young people with ASDs transitioning from high school had the worst

employment outcomes compared to peers w/ other types of disabilities (2013)

“The traditional job development approach is like retail - looking for jobs that already exist and are sitting on the shelf. It is as if you are saying 'I want to buy a box of jobs.' That doesn't work well. Forreally effective employment, the jobs will have to be off the grid. It will have to be something that matches the needs and skills each person with autism can bring to the job.” – Cary Griffin

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Benefits of Self-Employment

Customized approach Accommodation opportunities Social Security advantages and accumulation of assets Integration in community Employment creation Resolve transportation issues Autonomy and ownership Increased flexibility Economic development (e.g., hiring others with disabilities; job

creation) Fulfills a dream and lifelong interests

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Potential Challenges

General risks of starting a business Inadequate or inaccurate information Financial concerns related to interaction with benefits Funding and credit challenges Health insurance and coverage issues Proper supports and agency cooperation Health challenges Lack of appropriate supports

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Many challenges

can be overcome

with proper planning

and supports!

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Entrepreneurial Strategies

Self-employment Small business Microenterprise Customized self-employment Home-based business Independent contractor Business within a business Family business Non-profit organizations

& social enterprise

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Customized Self-Employment

“The customized self-employment process unites person-centered planning strategies with the development of a business plan. The goal is to develop an individualized, profitable, and sustainable microenterprise.” (WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Customized Self-Employment Toolkit)

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Keys to Success

A really good business idea Individualized – no one is the same Building on abilities and interests Appropriate support system

throughout the process Family support Mentorship in one’s field A business/self-employment plan Financing options Assistance with benefits planning Accommodations built into the design of business

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Steps to Self-EmploymentDiscovery, information gathering and/or initial feasibilityBenefits planningBusiness planningNetworks and communities of supportMentoring processFinancingOngoing support - sustainability

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Accommodation Ideas - Communicating

Prepare well ahead of time for important meetings to help reduce anxietyWrite out questions/information ahead of timeUse alternative communication methods (e.g. electronic) when appropriatePractice face-to-face interaction and cues with a trusted friend or mentor before a meetingHave a support team to discuss issues that may arise along the way

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Accommodation Ideas – Time Management

Use a handheld calendar system to organize contacts, appointments, and a daily scheduleHave a checklist of things to doFocus on doing one task at a time using a timer if helpfulDivide large tasks into smaller ones Outsource certain tasks such as accountingInclude a mentor, family member, or friend in a meeting for extra support (e.g., bank) and to help keep topics on track

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Accommodation Ideas – Reducing Sensory Distractions

Use noise cancelling headphones, choose a quiet workspace, or use a white noise machineReduce clutter in any workspace and maintain organizationSchedule meetings in locations with low noise levelsKnow your triggers and have strategies in place should they occur (e.g., anxiety and panic)Use a coach, mentor, or counselor to work on problematic situations

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Accommodation Ideas – Organization and Prioritization

Use a daily list to prioritize activitiesDevelop a filing system using color coding, subject areas – a habitual system Use time flexibly – good days and bad days Before a crisis, call on mentor or coachFocus on your strengths and delegate other tasks

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Accommodation Ideas – Social Skills

Use a coach or mentor to help understand different social cuesUse role play scenarios to demonstrate appropriate social skills encountered in the business environmentWork from home/telework to manage daily in-person interactionLimit attendance at professional meetings and find alternative ways to networkPractice social interaction in different environments – computer, telephone, email, and social media

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Types of BusinessComputer programming & repairFinancial planner/accountantPet business (e.g., dog walker, grooming, sitter)Food business (e.g., bakery, restaurant, food cart)Agriculture (e.g., herb farm, community agriculture)EngineerGraphic designAutomobile repair or detailingHandmade furnitureHome inspectionFreelance writer or editor

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Financing OptionsDisability specific programs (e.g., CRPs, VR) Blended and braiding funding (e.g., agencies collaborate to combine resources)Microloans Asset development programs – Individual development accounts (IDAs)Social Security work incentives (e.g., PASS Plan)Economic development fundsPersonal and family savingsResource ownershipOne Stop funding – Individual training accounts

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“Margaret”Conservation scientistDiagnosed later in lifeBusiness idea -- writer and consultantConcerned with social interactions and reading social cuesAnxiety and depressionLack of self-confidenceLimited agency supportLimited work experience/volunteeringAccommodations

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“Alex”Worked in higher education – compliance issues in intercollegiate athleticsPassionate interest and knowledge in subjectInterested in starting nonprofit based on these issuesStrong focus on ethicsStruggled with workplace politics Difficulty with organizing, prioritizing, time management, and perfectionism Struggled to move forward with his business plan

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“Thomas”Engineer in private sectorLeft job due to high anxiety in work settingIndependent contractingGovernment contracts Financial loss (e.g., foreclosure, limited financial resources)In process of applying for SSDIBelieved flexibility and increasing control over workload would make continuation in his field possible

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“Joseph”Contacted by parentYoung man in transitionGifted photographerLimited support system Wanted to shift supports away from family/increased independenceFinanced on family credit cardsWays to expand support system since he had trust issuesDifficulty meeting with counselors due to sensory issues

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“Leonard”Called the same day and time every week for over one yearArtist and sculptorHistory of being bulliedWays to market and sell his productsUnsuccessful experience working with VR and other agenciesDistrustful of government programsLimited family support Received Social Security (SSI)Difficulty with communication and social cues

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“Kathy”Contacted by parentCustomized self-employmentLoves animals and dogs in particularPet business (e.g., dog walking, grooming)Extensive family supportsFinancing through familyUnfamiliar with how to market the businessAccommodation questions about social piece of the businessAccountants familiar with Social Security issues

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Contact (800)526-7234 (V) & (877)781-9403 (TTY) (304) 216-8189 via Text AskJAN.org & [email protected] janconsultants via Skype

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Questions?

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Documents

Presentation Overview