Wonderful World of Work: A Workbook for Asperteens

This hands-on workbook demystifies the world of work in order to help teenagers with Asperger syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) feel confident in their ability to be successful at their studies and get a job.

Each chapter talks the teen through a different element of employment, including the benefits of having a job, why education is important, how to write a resume and succeed at job interviews, and the advantages and disadvantages of Asperger syndrome in the workplace. A variety of different industries and jobs are explored to encourage teens to begin to think about careers that might appeal to them and suit their skills and interests.

Full of practical information, engaging activities, funny illustrations and inspiring personal stories, this book gives Asperteens a positive image of what people on the autism spectrum can achieve and is an essential career guidance aid for parents, teachers and other autism professionals working with young adults.

Table of Contents

Introduction.

1. Why Should You Go to Work?
2. What Kind of Work Do You Want to Do?
3. Your Own Unique Skills and Attributes - The Best Thing that You Have!
4. School, University, Skills and Work.
5. Getting the Most Out of Employment Services.
6. Working - What's Involved? And How Do You Get a Job?
7. Get that Job! (Includes CVs, Interviews and Referees).
8. Volunteering - The Giving Keeps on Giving - to You!
9. Different Kinds of Jobs.
10. How to Gain Spectacular Skills for the Workplace.
11. Joy and Elation at Workplace Communication!
12. Ooh, Scary and Exciting! Starting a New Job.
13. Help for Employees on the Autism Spectrum.
14. What in the World is Workplace Relations?
15. Trouble at Work! What Do I Do?
16. Being Brilliant in your Own Business.
17. Getting Ready to Go for It!

Glossary.

References.

"This is a fascinating workbook written with Aspie insight and advice - for Aspies - from an Aspie. Jeanette has thought of everything incorporated in the workforce, with specific activities that draw out the reader's own personal ambitions, thoughts and future plans. Including her own personal experiences helped cement the foundation of the book. This workbook is a practical, encouraging, unique resource to help steer any Asperteens who are nearly ready or looking for employment."
- Josie Santomauro, author, speaker, consultant and mother of a son with Asperger's Syndrome

"As an teenage girl with Asperger's Syndrome, this book gave me courage and the information I need to get a job and to have a basic understanding of work. It's easy to read and Jeanette explains each aspect of working and getting a job really well. This book is useful to young Aspies, like myself, wanting to enter the world of work. I think it's also useful for parents to read so they can help their child with this new experience."
- Ellen Fisher, aged 14

"This book told me lots of useful information about the workplace and how to get a job. The illustrations made it more exciting and encouraged me to read more. The activities are fun and helped me to think about jobs I might do when I finish school."
- Sarah Flach, aged 13