The Wonderful World of Work: A Workbook for Asperteens

Yenn Purkis

Mar 2014 · Jessica Kingsley Publishers

About this ebook

This hands-on workbook demystifies the world of work in order to help teenagers with Asperger syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) feel confident in their ability to be successful at their studies and get a job.

Each chapter talks the teen through a different element of employment, including the benefits of having a job, why education is important, how to write a resume and succeed at job interviews, and the advantages and disadvantages of autism in the workplace. A variety of different industries and jobs are explored to encourage teens to begin to think about careers that might appeal to them and suit their skills and interests.

Full of practical information, engaging activities, funny illustrations and inspiring personal stories, this book gives Asperteens a positive image of what people on the autism spectrum can achieve and is an essential career guidance aid for parents and teachers working with young adults.

About the author

Jeanette Purkis has a Master's degree in Fine Arts from RMIT University and works for the Australian Public Service as a policy adviser. Jeanette recently received an Excellence Award from the CEO of her department for promoting inclusion and advocating for disability. She is a frequent speaker at autism conferences and she facilitates a support group for women on the autism spectrum. Jeanette has a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome and is the author of the autobiography Finding a Different Kind of Normal, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. She lives in Canberra, Australia. Andrew Hore is a cartoonist and illustrator with a community worker background, who provides community-focused cartooning programs, specialising in mental health and positive goal setting. He has extensive experience in comic strip creation, book illustration for adults and kids, posters, and online cartoons and he lives in Canberra, Australia.