Spectrum Strategies
www.spectrumroadmap.com
516-822-3150 / [email protected]
Spectrum Strategies recently sat down with one of our clients to talk about their experience with Debra and their experience with autism. We hope reading this interview will help you to understand what daily life is like for those on the spectrum, as well as encourage you to reach out to us about our services.
“I was not diagnosed as being on the autistic
spectrum until I was in my early thirties. Throughout my life, I have always
had a difficult time relating to and communicating with my peers. I did do well
in school, at least when the topic interested me or I found I had a knack for
it. When I was in elementary school, they put me in a special class that they
called “Socially and Emotionally Disturbed,” a name even the teacher did not
care for. I was prone to throwing tantrums when things did not go my way, or at
least as I expected them to go. I think the school had a difficult time
figuring out what to do with me, because I was academically skilled but
disruptive. I am inclined to believe that it was not common in those days to
diagnose people with Asperger’s, so even though I did see a few therapists and
a social worker, not a lot came of this. I went straight to college after high
school, and then to graduate school after that. I found myself having trouble
making the transition into adulthood, which I understand is common to a lot of
people, but I really think my parents just expected me to grow up suddenly with
no preparation, and I had no idea how to go about it. When I have worked some jobs,
I have often found myself frustrated by my bosses and co-workers, particularly
when it came to giving me contradictory instructions on how to perform my work.
I also find the process of looking for a job intimidating. I feel I have improved
over the years simply by observing the world around me and finding out what
works and what does not, as well as by taking medication. Still, I feel I am
not being considered for jobs that meet my skills, and while I realize many
people have this problem nowadays, it seems like I could find something better
than I have if more employers were willing to give me a chance.”
spectrum until I was in my early thirties. Throughout my life, I have always
had a difficult time relating to and communicating with my peers. I did do well
in school, at least when the topic interested me or I found I had a knack for
it. When I was in elementary school, they put me in a special class that they
called “Socially and Emotionally Disturbed,” a name even the teacher did not
care for. I was prone to throwing tantrums when things did not go my way, or at
least as I expected them to go. I think the school had a difficult time
figuring out what to do with me, because I was academically skilled but
disruptive. I am inclined to believe that it was not common in those days to
diagnose people with Asperger’s, so even though I did see a few therapists and
a social worker, not a lot came of this. I went straight to college after high
school, and then to graduate school after that. I found myself having trouble
making the transition into adulthood, which I understand is common to a lot of
people, but I really think my parents just expected me to grow up suddenly with
no preparation, and I had no idea how to go about it. When I have worked some jobs,
I have often found myself frustrated by my bosses and co-workers, particularly
when it came to giving me contradictory instructions on how to perform my work.
I also find the process of looking for a job intimidating. I feel I have improved
over the years simply by observing the world around me and finding out what
works and what does not, as well as by taking medication. Still, I feel I am
not being considered for jobs that meet my skills, and while I realize many
people have this problem nowadays, it seems like I could find something better
than I have if more employers were willing to give me a chance.”
Question: How effective have the coaching sessions been?
Answer: I have gotten quite useful advice working with Debbie as my career coach. I have also found that issues can be resolved through e-mail when reviewing specific assignments with concrete information.I know that face to face communication is a necessary skill in the coaching process, especially when it comes to the preparation for job interviews.
Question: Can you take me through a typical session?
Answer: Usually we go over material and assignments from earlier, then discuss new developments and what I should work on for next time. For example: Debbie and I work on everything connected to the interview process from interpreting body language to reviewing every question that relates to the specific job I am interviewing for.At this point in the process, my resume and cover letter provide all the information needed to send out to the specific companies in my field of interest.
To learn more about Spectrum Strategies, please visit us online at www.spectrumroadmap.com.