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First Ascent: Autism Career Development

Start Your Career Journey Now!

Take the Free Assessment!

Student
Parent / Coach

Interested in learning which types of career or work pathways will be well-aligned with your skills and preferences?

Our Strengths Assessment will help you begin to uncover your potential and the unique value you bring to the table.

Our Journey Has 3 Stages

1 – Alignment & Route Planning

Individuals on the spectrum often possess pronounced interests and abilities, and they often require a specific work environment to thrive. The conventional career decision process doesn’t serve them. Many with autism grow up uncertain about their career prospects which hinders their path forward. That’s why we focus heavily upfront to understand each person’s interests, abilities, work preferences, and work environment needs. We then find the precise career fit that maximizes their chances of success and develop a tailored, attainable pathway to prepare them for their chosen career.

2- Prepare & persevere

Full of hope and a well-charted course to the right career, we begin the preparation phase. This could be a relatively short journey (a certification, a trade school program, a skill training program or an apprenticeship) or could extend across a degreed (multi-year) college program. Key to this phase is developing skills that will help you, or your child, in your work or learning preparation, and in remaining focused, motivated, and moving forward. Our coaches and mentors will stay connected with you throughout your career preparation and will provide coaching guidance – most of all support. We will be with you at each stage.

3 – Launch your career

Our aim is to match individuals with autism with roles aligning with their strengths and interests. We connect you with opportunities at partner organizations or with recruitment partners focused on individuals with autism. If specific roles aren’t available, we provide support in refining your interview skills and onboarding strategies. Our approach prioritizes a gradual transition into the professional world, starting with internships or temp-to-perm positions for a smoother adjustment. Our coaches offer support for your first six months of employment, guiding you towards success.

“I was amazed at the progress the students made in going from ‘What I want to be when I grow up,’ to a specific career goal in a relatively short amount of time.
Janet D.

Janet D.

/

Parent of Former Student

What’s Next?

Are you ready to take the next step in finding roles aligned with your strengths and interests?

Then we invite you to join the next cohort of our First Ascent Program!

Who would benefit most from the First Ascent program?

  • People with autism who are looking for a career, not job
  • Young adults (17 – 27) who are moderately impacted by autism and who are looking for a career
  • College students who are uncertain of their career direction
  • Adults who have entered the workplace and encountered challenges and limited success
  • Young adults in their senior year or recently graduated from high school and are looking for their next career step
Join Our Next Cohort!

You’ll discover more about what motivates and interests you, activities and subjects you do (and don’t!) enjoy, your preferences in work and social environments, and more.

First Ascent is a Parent (Coach)/Student Program

Note: regardless of age, it is important for at least 1 parent (or trusted adult coach) to participate along-side the student to provide support and perspective.

“We have a clear understanding and mapped out plan on how to decide on the right career and exactly how to get there.”

Valerie J.

I gained hope, confidence, and inspiration.”

Sharon H.

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