I am in between educational programs right now. I hope to start my Master’s in September and I hope to work in a summer camp environment in July and August. However, with Asperger’s, it’s difficult for me to go out and get a job right now because many positions don’t suit my abilities.
Since I am home for a while, I am taking this opportunity to learn some domestic skills and work on some unfinished projects. As I need structure in my life in order to be happy, I have created this rough scheduling system where I set four simple goals I will accomplish each day. These range from doing household tasks to taking the time to contact friends. It gives me a sense of routine in my life and makes me feel as if I’ve accomplished something each day. I have included a screenshot of my day plan (not showing the parts that have other people’s names on it for privacy reasons).
I think this would be a useful strategy for high functioning individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders who are unable to work or go to school. It would help them complete necessary tasks rather than resorting to hyper focusing on special interest activities and it would give them a sense of purpose. For those of you who aren’t currently employed, what strategies do you use?
2 comments:
The special interest(s) are necessary.
So schedule them in.
I agree 100%. I allow lots of time for special interest activities. However, I use to schedule to make sure I do varied activities and get necessary tasks done each day (e.g. giving my pets attention, maintaining the house, cooking meals for myself rather than just microwaving frozen food, taking the time to initiate social interaction with people outside my family etc.)
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