SS18 (Autistic) Trying to find a job
We are still waiting for the appointment with the agency in our area that helps people with special needs find employment, but they are on a freeze right now so even after our appointment (that was 8 weeks out) we don't know if he will get placed any time soon.
We have been trying to help him find a job on his own. A few grocery stores as a stocker, we have a pizza place here that is almost like a subway and then you take the pizza home and bake it, and gamestop. He has been on 2 interviews now- no job offers. I can honestly say the 1st was a major learning experience.DH was able to hear the whole thing and it was hysterical! But probably not for the interviewer who didn't have a clue on how to take SS18 and his version of humor.
Anyway, I had SS call gamestop to follow up on his online application. He talked to an assistant manager and SS had a MAJOR attitude on the phone. After SS left the room I did take upon myself to be an overbearing mother and called. Explained that SS is autistic and sometimes he doesn't come off well on the phone but that he really loves gaming and would love an opportunity there. The assistant manger told me to have him come in today to talke to the general manager at 10 am (I had him give me a specific time and explained that I would be taking off work to drive him there). So I did. I took off of work, went home to get SS, took him there. SS is turned away at the door and the GM told him that if he didn't get an email saying to come in he wasn't doing interviews. SS was crushed. Tears flowing on the way home. I AM LIVID.
It wasn't just me taking off of work (DH is military, works 45 min from home and can't just take off as easily as I can in my position), I wasn't just the fact that we were told to come for an interview-- It was blowing off a special needs person, and it was disclosed that he is. He could have taken 5 minutes and done some BS and just told him that if he thought he would be a good fit he would call. Just sending him out the door was rude and inconsiderate and now I am ready to call up there and tell this little video game store power trip dork what an ass he was to someone who just needed a little validation as a person.
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I understand how frustrating
My BS is autistic. It would be very hard for me to keep cool and NOT call the game store back.
My MS is actually taking classes at a workforce rehabilitation center. He took a 9 week life skills class. He didn't want to go but once he was there, he loved it. He is now taking production classes. They teach these kids how to interview for jobs and how to live on their own.
Do you have a worforce/ rehabilitation center in your area? Your SS may benefit from it.
My BS was terrified of going into a store by himself. After the 9 week life skills class, he can go into stores by himself, order his own food at a restaurant, and he can interview for a job . I know to a lot of people that sounds like something he should have already being doing. I tried and tried to help him. His BD tried to help him. We just couldn't get through to him.
I cried like a baby when we went shopping at the Walmart Super Center and he told me that he was going to do his own shopping by himself. He walked away and told me he would meet me later. One of the cashiers asked me if I was alright. I told her believe it or not, I am more than just alright. My biggest fear has always been that BS will not know how to live without me. I want him to be able to get a job, live in apartment, pay his own bills and buy his own food.
I am no longer worried about BS. I feel that he is going to be able to live on his own once he gets back and finds a job.
The only rehab center we have
The only rehab center we have here is the one we are waiting for that 1st appointment. They are supposed to be a great resource and will help with assesments, training and placement. It is just the wait for help is so long and frustrating for all of us. It is sad that there aren't more open employers for basic entry level jobs....
I would be livid!!! The GM
I would be livid!!! The GM turned you away after the assistant said to come in?! Sounds to me like communication is super lacking, but even if it wasn't. What the he!!??
I'm so sorry for this struggle
I hope he finds a job soon. Good for him to be looking for one. I know plenty of people that don't have a dang thing special needs about them and they won't do it. He genuinely sounds like he's trying!