1. Workplace Skills Group
Autism & Asperger Connections
9/7/13

2. Welcome! 

3. Today’s Agenda 1:00-1:15 – Welcome/Introductions
1:15-1:25 – Agenda Review
1:25-1:40 – Ground Rules for WS Group
1:40-1:45 – Break
1:45-2:15 – Ground Rules for the Workplace
2:15-2:20 – Break
2:20-2:35 – WS Group Topic Schedule
2:35-2:45 – Assignment for Next Meeting
2:45-2:55 – Q&A / Opens
2:55-3:00 – Wrap-Up

4. Ground Rules for WS Group
RSVP for each meeting – let us know if you can’t make it
Show up ready to participate and contribute
Sign in at the start of each meeting
Limit interruptions (turn off your cell phone, etc.)
Don’t keep your thoughts/ideas to yourself – share them!
Listen to understand
Be open to new ideas
Everyone participates – no one dominates
Come back from breaks on time
Let us know if you have to leave early
Have fun!
Any others to add?

5. Break Please be back in 5 minutes

6. Ground Rules for the Workplace
Attire and Appearance
Good hygiene
Clothing appropriate for job
Punctuality
Arrive before start time (10-15 minutes)
Be ready to work when shift begins
Get permission before “clocking in” early

7. Ground Rules for the Workplace
Interaction – Work Colleagues
Eye contact
Handshake
Small talk
Interaction – Customers/Clients
Greetings
Chit-chat?

8. Interaction Practice

9. Ground Rules for the Workplace
Breaks
Short in nature (less than 15 minutes, maybe only 5 minutes)
Rules vary by company and job
Follow company rules for “clocking-out”
Lunch/Dinner
May not happen if shift is not 8 hours

10. Ground Rules for the Workplace
Responsibilities
Employee must know his/her job requirements
Ask if you don’t know or are confused
Checklists are OK, in most cases
Company Hierarchy
Employee – Supervisor – Manager
All companies have rules and processes for speaking to a Supervisor or Manager 10

11. Break Please be back in 5 minutes

12. WS Group Topic Schedule
Proposed topics for :
Oct: Job Search 101
Nov: Resume & Cover Letter Development
Dec: WS Group Holiday Party (How to Socialize at a Work Party) & Review of Sept-Dec Topics
Jan: Effective Workplace Communication
Feb: How & When to Disclose Your Diagnosis
Mar: Interviewing Skills
Apr: Mock Interviews & Review of Jan-Mar topics
May: AAC Job Fair with local employers

13. Assignment for Next Meeting
Oct WS Group Topic: Job Search 101
Assignment:
Complete the Career Test at
Print out your results and bring them to the October WS Group

14. Q&A / Opens

15. Thank you for coming today! 