Vocational skills training

Vocational programs for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurodevelopmental disorders are designed to help individuals develop essential job skills, gain work experience, and transition to employment or post-secondary education. These programs are typically tailored to the unique strengths, interests, and needs of each participant. Listed below are some of the key components of Sitaray’s vocational programs for adolescents with ASD and neurodevelopmental disorders:

 

• ​Programme Aim: Our Vocational programs for adolescents with ASD and neurodevelopmental disorders aim to promote independence, self-determination, and successful integration into the workforce and community. By providing tailored support, skill development, and practical work experience, our program helps adolescents with disabilities achieve their vocational goals and lead fulfilling lives as adults.

 

• Person-Centred Planning: Our vocational program begins with person-centred planning, which involves assessing the individual's strengths, interests, skills, and goals. We use standardized testing tools such as the assessment of functional living skills (AFLS) and the Vineland assessment. The intervention plan is developed collaboratively with input from the adolescent, their family, speech and occupational therapists, and our behaviour analyst.

 

• ​Individualized Goals and Objectives: Each participant has individualized vocational goals and objectives that guide their program. Goals may encompass skill development, job exploration, work readiness, and community integration.

 

• Skill Development: Our Vocational programs teach a wide range of job-related skills, including:

 

1. Communication skills

2. Time management

3. Problem-solving

4. Social skills in a workplace context

5. Basic computer skills

6. Task completion and follow-through

7. Gardening

8. Buying groceries and other items from a shop

9. Baking and basic cooking

10. Cleaning and dusting

11. Sports

 

• Job Exploration: We help expose participants to various job options to help them explore their interests and preferences. Once they have achieved a certain skill set, students are placed in Job shadowing and internships which provide hands-on experience in different work environments.

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• Career Education: Our participants receive instruction on career-related topics, such as resume writing, job interviewing, and workplace etiquette.

 

• ​Community Integration: Our Program helps facilitate community involvement and engagement to help adolescents build social connections and practice skills in various settings.

 

• ​Collaboration with Employers: We collaborate with local employers to create job opportunities and promote inclusion in the workforce.

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• Parent and Family Support: Families receive support and resources to help their adolescents succeed in vocational programs and prepare for adulthood. We conduct a specialized two-day workshop on managing adolescents with ASD and other developmental disorders.

 

• ​Data Collection and Progress Monitoring: Regular data collection and progress monitoring are used to track skill development and job performance, allowing for adjustments to the program as needed.