30 Clock Hours
Course Overview: The CDC estimates that one in 36 children is on the autism spectrum, and it is estimated that 10-20% of the world population is neurodiverse. Career coaches and counselors can anticipate seeing increasing numbers of clients on the autism spectrum in their practices for years to come.
This course provides competencies for career development professionals assisting clients on the Autism Spectrum. Participants will learn the unique skills and challenges often associated with the Autism Spectrum and their impact on career development, and neurodiverse affirming interventions regarding career exploration, career choice, organizing the job search process, interviewing, self-advocacy, and success on the job.
Participant will use their knowledge and skills to develop a comprehensive plan to help individuals on the spectrum to integrate successfully into the workforce and succeed in their career.
Learning Objectives:
Increase understanding of autism spectrum disorder and its impacts on career development
Recognize unique strengths and challenges associated with autism spectrum disorders
Select appropriate career assessments to promote career exploration in individuals on the autism spectrum
Implement practical coaching and counseling interventions to assist job seekers on the autism spectrum develop and execute a job search plan
Gain skills in leveraging collaborative partners to assist job seekers on the autism spectrum, including family members, community agencies, and employee resource groups (ERGs).
Develop strategies to help individuals on the autism spectrum develop self-advocacy skills necessary for success in their careers
Generate a comprehensive plan to promote workplace integration and career development for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Your Instructor: Janine Rowe, MSEd., LMHC, NCC, CCC, CASAC, CEAP, SAP
Janine Rowe, MSEd., LMHC, NCC, CCC, CASAC, CEAP, SAP is a doctoral student in Counselor Education at the University of Rochester, in Rochester, NY. She is a licensed mental health counselor, a certified career counselor, and nationally certified counselor in private practice in Rochester, NY, with a specialization in helping neurodiverse job seekers. She is currently a counselor at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She was most recently a career counselor and Assistant Director of Disability & Career Services at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where she provided coaching and consultation services for job seekers on the autism spectrum and for recruiting partners.
She is the winner of the New York State Career Development Association (NYSCDA) Early Career Professional award (2014) and the RIT Presidential Award for Excellence (2018). Janine was a participant in National Career Development Association’s Counselor Education and Leadership Academies and is the previous Vice-President and President of the NYSCDA.
