HOW TO BE SELF SUFFICIENT
WITH HIGH FUNCTIONING
AUTISM
Jason Zervoudakes
Self Advocate
MAKING THE DECISION TO
BE SELF SUFFICIENT
We Make Changes When We Are
Dissatisfied With Our Current
Situation
There Is No Road Map In Life
SELF ASSESSMENT IS IMPORTANT
•The clearer the picture
•The stronger the desire
•The more motivated you will be
UNDERSTANDING YOURSELF IS A
KEY TO A MORE REWARDING LIFE
FACE TO FACE NETWORKING
Face to Face is most effective
A “Natural Smile” will help you
meet people
“How, What & Why” questions are
great for small talk
Talk about general topics such as
the weather
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
Carry business cards
Carry pen & paper
Join groups to build network
Take advantage of volunteer
opportunities
COMBAT PHONE ANXIETY
Write out three scripts
1. Leaving a message for machine (voice
mail)
2. Leaving message to a “live” person
3. Talking to your contact
Rehearse scripts before you call
YOUR PHONE AGENDA
If necessary, send a brief e-mail
before you call
Be brief & specific
State your business
All calls less than 15 minutes
SELL YOURSELF
Think of yourself as a product
Emphasize your strengths
Minimize or don’t mention your weakness
PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW
What job you want
What skills you have
How you can benefit them
BE PERSISTENT
NEVER GIVE UP!
It takes hard work, desire and
dedication to achieve your
goals
TO DISCLOSE OR NOT TO
DISCLOSE-THAT IS THE
QUESTION
Disclose too early
you may not get the job
Disclose too late
you may not hold on to the job
REASONS NOT TO
DISCLOSE
•Job hunting is discriminatory by
nature
•Any excuse a potential employer
can use not to hire you, they will
use it
•People do not follow the laws
•Job discrimination is difficult to
prove
HOW TO DISCLOSE
•To disclose, use the
simplest terms possible
and frame it as an asset as
opposed to a liability
•Let employer know what
specific accommodations
you need
•Disclose late in the hiring
interview
USE YOUR
JUDGEMENT!
STARTING NEW PROJECTS
Until 1974
Babe Ruth hit more home runs
than anyone in MLB history
Babe Ruth struck out more times
than anyone in MLB history
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU
NEVER TRY?
KNOW WHEN TO SAY STOP
When you get frustrated and can’t
solve a problem
When it is time to go to bed
When you have to do other things at
a certain time
When you are tired of doing a task
CHORES ARE NEVER DONE!
COME TO TERMS
WITH YOUR
LATE DIAGNOSIS
Go through list of AS characteristics
Pick 20 that are most troubling
Work with your professional to
improve on them