LINK Autism Employment Services

Customized Job Training

LINK offers individuals with autism intensive, individualized preparation for competitive jobs in the community. Easterseals Midwest creates a customized plan to meet the needs and goals of each person we support. The LINK training covers:

• Career Exploration
• Time Management
• Job Development
• Communication
• Job Coaching
• Social Skills Evaluation/Training
• Transportation
• Professionalism

Social Skills for the Workplace

LINK helps job seekers build social and communication skills for the workplace through one-on-one pragmatic language sessions, social skill classes, and job development support.

Pragmatic Language Assessments

Individuals receive five one-on-one sessions with an autism specialist to assess and improve the social communication skills necessary for the workplace.

Social Skills Classes

These eight-week, small group classes focus on various social skills for the workplace, including:

• Appropriate hygiene and dress
• How to have professional and appropriate conversations
• How to handle job duties and responsibilities
• Expressing a need for help and when and with whom this is appropriate
• How to work as a part of a team
• When to disclose a disability
• Handling Workplace Situations Part 1: dealing with change, handling stress, and responding to bullying
• Handling Workplace Situations Part 2: electronic communication, phone calls, and unwritten social rules
• Mock interviews

Job Development Support

Staff assist the individual in building a resume, applying for jobs, and interviewing for positions.