HOW TO BE SELF SUFFICIENT WITH HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM Jason Zervoudakes Self Advocate

MAKING THE DECISION TO BE SELF SUFFICIENT We Make Changes When We Are Dissatisfied With Our Current Situation There Is No Road Map In Life

SELF ASSESSMENT IS IMPORTANT The clearer the picture The clearer the picture The stronger the desire The stronger the desire The more motivated you will be The more motivated you will be UNDERSTANDING YOURSELF IS A KEY TO A MORE REWARDING LIFE

FACE TO FACE NETWORKING Face to Face is most effective A “Natural Smile” will help you meet people “How, What & Why” questions are great for small talk Talk about general topics such as the weather

BUILD YOUR NETWORK Carry business cards Carry business cards Carry pen & paper Carry pen & paper Join groups to build network Join groups to build network Take advantage of volunteer opportunities Take advantage of volunteer opportunities

COMBAT PHONE ANXIETY Write out three scripts 1. Leaving a message for machine (voice mail) 2. Leaving message to a “live” person 3. Talking to your contact Rehearse scripts before you call

YOUR PHONE AGENDA  If necessary, send a brief before you call  Be brief & specific  State your business  All calls less than 15 minutes

SELL YOURSELF Think of yourself as a product Emphasize your strengths Minimize or don’t mention your weakness PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW What job you want What skills you have How you can benefit them

BE PERSISTENT NEVER GIVE UP! It takes hard work, desire and dedication to achieve your goals

TO DISCLOSE OR NOT TO DISCLOSE-THAT IS THE QUESTION Disclose too early you may not get the job Disclose too late you may not hold on to the job you may not hold on to the job

REASONS NOT TO DISCLOSE Job hunting is discriminatory by nature Job hunting is discriminatory by nature Any excuse a potential employer can use not to hire you, they will use it Any excuse a potential employer can use not to hire you, they will use it People do not follow the laws People do not follow the laws Job discrimination is difficult to prove Job discrimination is difficult to prove

HOW TO DISCLOSE To disclose, use the simplest terms possible and frame it as an asset as opposed to a liability To disclose, use the simplest terms possible and frame it as an asset as opposed to a liability Let employer know what specific accommodations you need Let employer know what specific accommodations you need Disclose late in the hiring interview Disclose late in the hiring interview USE YOUR JUDGEMENT!

STARTING NEW PROJECTS Until 1974 Babe Ruth hit more home runs than anyone in MLB history Babe Ruth struck out more times than anyone in MLB history HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEVER TRY?

KNOW WHEN TO SAY STOP  When you get frustrated and can’t solve a problem  When it is time to go to bed  When you have to do other things at a certain time a certain time  When you are tired of doing a task CHORES ARE NEVER DONE!

COME TO TERMS WITH YOUR LATE DIAGNOSIS Go through list of AS characteristics Pick 20 that are most troubling Work with your professional to improve on them