Let’s get your career journey under way!
We’ll be with you at each stage!
First Ascent is a Parent (Coach)/Student Program
Regardless of the age of the young adult with autism, it is important for at least 1 parent (or a trusted adult coach) to participate along-side the student to provide support and perspective.
The Importance of Getting Career Alignment Right!
A precisely calibrated career path is important for all individuals. It is paramount for those with autism, whose specific interests and strengths demand exactness. Misalignment risks costly setbacks and even failure in future career endeavors.
A few points to consider:
- Unemployment rate for people with high-functioning autism is over 80%
- 34% of autistic college students complete their degree within six years, compared to 60% of their neurotypical peers
- Changing majors in college can cost $18,000
- It can take as long as 20 years for reemployed workers to catch up on lost earnings
More significant than any monetary cost is the human opportunity cost of not creating an identity of self worth and self efficacy you gain through a career.
Here’s the Good News!
People with autism have amazing strengths! Let’s discover those strengths, bring into view an ideal work environment, align to the perfect career and start your career journey!
Pricing
Align Program
(12 weeks)
Be Aligned to the Perfect Job!
$500
$1,700
Prepare Program
(12 weeks)
Be Prepared for Your First Job!
Align Program Completion Prerequisite
$2,500
25% off if you join the Align program before Jan. 2025
Ascend Program
(12 weeks)
Get Your First Job!
Align Program Completion Prerequisite
$3,500
25% off if you join the Align program before Jan. 2025
Please note, if you are an international person with autism, or parent of a child with autism, the First Ascent program is offered in English and sessions are conducted within U.S. time zones. We welcome you to participate, but please take into account English proficiency and time zone differences.
Is the First Ascent program virtual?
Yes! It is 100% virtual – you can join from anywhere provided you have an internet connection. Sessions will be conducted using Google Meet.
Can I just jump to the Prepare or Align programs?
Sorry, no. The Align program is foundational to everything that happens after that.
What if I am autistic, but I am an older adult – not a young adult. Can I participate in the program?
Yes! While the program is primarily designed for young adults, it’s never too late to reevaluate your career, especially if your career isn’t going in a direction you want it to go.
Can I just sign my young adult child up for the program without my participation as a parent?
We have found that the involvement of at least one parent is critical both in providing an additional perspective only a parent can provide, and in supporting the young adult in the program. We require the full participation of the parent during the Align stage, but only at certain points in the other two stages. If a parent isn’t able to participate, a trusted adult (who knows the young adult well) can participate in the program in place of a parent
You say the First Ascent program is designed for people who are “moderately impacted” by autism. What does that mean? And if I, or my child, am more substantially impacted, can I participate in the program?
In general, we are referring to those who have milder symptoms and average to above cognitive abilities – individuals who may excel academically and functionally but still face challenges with social interaction, communication, and sensory processing.
If you are unsure as to whether the program is right for you (as an adult with autism) or for your child, please contact me and we can talk through your career goals and the program to decide if it is a good fit.
Do I need an official autism diagnosis?
No! A diagnosis is not required.