The Developing Talents Project uses the ideas in the Developing Talents book to help young people with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome figure out their talents, strengthen their communication skills and prepare for the transition to work.


92 percent of people on the autism spectrum are unemployed or underemployed.
People on the autism spectrum have a unique set of talents that can lead to successful and satisfying careers. But they may also lack the social skills that are essential for getting and keeping a job. That’s why it’s especially important for young people on the spectrum to:

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  Discover their unique talents. All young people could benefit from guidance in planning for a vocation before they leave high school, and for young people on the spectrum, it’s essential. They may need extra help in the transition from school to the next stage of their lives. More about transitional issues.

• Find a job. Once a young person on the spectrum
  
  understands his or her unique talents, parents, counselors and educators can help them build their skills. We know that most will not find work unless they have extra help. Since they may face challenges because of their social skills, they should compensate by building this vocational skill muscle. More about finding a vocation.

• Develop social skills. For a variety of reasons, the autistic/
  
  Asperger individual does not have the same social skills as others. But they can learn to understand their differences and learn ways to interact with bosses and coworkers that will help them in the workplace. More about social skills.

• Start small businesses and microbusinesses. One of the most overlooked areas of vocational potential for young people on the spectrum is starting a small business. For young people with strong skills and difficulty with interpersonal issues, self-employment can be a great option. More about small and microbusiness business.