Three Levels to Vocational Discovery for Those with Autism who Rely on Supports

Before starting the process of identifying and exploring gifts and interests, look at three levels of this process. The first level is obvious — it is apparent that the person has a gift, like a beautiful singing voice. The second level is easy to determine as well; this is when the individual indicates and directs Read More

How Initiating the first steps in career exploration can lift the individual to a higher level of self-awareness and self-expression.

The act of exploring and identifying a gift or an interest is one thing, but to a recognized strength or gift can open a new world to peer connections, participation in organizations/clubs, leisure, suitable employment, defined career direction, and interpersonal growth with increased emotional adaptation.   Jackie Marquette PhD Marquette Index, LLC. Creator and Founder Read More

How to Become Remarkably Able: You’re Going to Like This

R Take positive risks to learn or try something new, even when failure is possible. E Set goals and explore opportunities to reach them. M Seek and find a mentor to guide and give you positive feedback. A Participate in activities that have meaning and purpose (e.g., volunteer in clubs, church). R Resist thoughts of Read More

Seven Things to Know that May Greatly Impact Employment Direction: ASD or Disability

A gift — something a person is born with. It’s something that comes as easily as breathing. A talent — a gift the individual has pursued, developed, and refined. 3. A skill — something one learns to do. It may draw upon a person’s gifts. 4. An interest — something that draws one’s attention. 5. Read More

Five Things We Must Believe Before Things Change: Autism and developmental disabilities.

Each individual is unique and can develop to his or her fullest potential. 2. There must be a plan in place that brings ease, enjoyment, and acceptance. 3. Each one has a viable gift, strength, and/or interest that may only need uncovering to blossom into a hobby, volunteer work, self employment, part time job, or Read More

Do you have An ASD, Experience Low Emotions and Self Worth? 12 Viewpoints that Can Shift Your Perspective

1. I am not flawed. I am a unique individual and my life is significant. 2. I choose not to give up on myself and I seek to discover my joy and pleasure for life. 3 I will not change who I am just to fit into a group.  4. I am a good and Read More

Want More than Autism Awareness?: 12 Actions into Acceptance

I see the community both welcoming and friendly, as well as indifferent and unsafe. As parents and caregivers, we deeply desire our teens and adults with autism have acceptance and freedom. Examples include: to have safe community access, be supported by safe people, to participate in activities they enjoy, to have their needs met, and to Read More

Autism + Strengths = EFFECTIVENESS

Today’s employment situation for individuals with autism is in a state of emergency. For a short time, I am offering for FREE my strengths tool to help individuals with autism facing transition. Do you know a student or an adult with autism seeking transition possibilities? With this online tool, the individual or his teacher/parent advocate will identify strengths Read More

Three Harmful Words We Should Stop Using About Individuals with Autism

Many of us are in roles of providing caregiving, daily living support, community assistance, on-the-job training, or teaching in educational settings to individuals with autism or disabilities. I found three words that are harmful that we should stop using. We often use these words when describing the individual to other people involved, such as, when talking about Read More

The Most Important Question to Ask about Your Capabilities

When considering what you would like to do in life, ask the right question to guide you. Don’t ask, 1) “How capable are you?” about (a subject)______. Rather, ask, 2) “How are you capable?” The first question,  “How capable are you?”  emphasizes comparison of your current skills to others, presents your ability or a specific score Read More