Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Autism

Who knows better about developing the talents of those with autism than Temple Grandin? This updated and expanded third edition of Developing Talents considers the continuing dismal employment statistics for individuals with autism. The authors take an in-depth look at entrepreneurship and many other options. Using real-life examples, Grandin and Duffy note that many of the unique characteristics of individuals on the autism spectrum lend themselves well to entrepreneurial ventures. The book explores many unnoticed aspects of vocational rehabilitation programs that provide job training and placement for people with disabilities, as well as Social Security Administration programs that offer vocational assistance. Employment figures and prospects have been updated, and new jobs have been added that are well suited for those on the spectrum.

About the Author :
Temple Grandin earned her PhD in Animal Science from the University of Illinois and is currently a Professor at Colorado State University. Dr. Grandin is one of the most respected individuals with autism in the world. She presents at conferences nationwide, helping thousands of parents and professionals understand how to help individuals with autism and related disorders. She is the author of Emergence: Labeled Autistic, Thinking in Pictures, Animals in Translation (which spent many weeks on The New York Times Best-Seller List), The Autistic Brain, and The Loving Push, co-written with Debra Moore, PhD. One of the most celebrated -- and effective -- animal advocates on the planet, Dr. Grandin revolutionized animal movement systems and spearheaded reform of the quality of life for the world's agricultural animals. She lives in Fort Collins, Colorado. Kate Duffy has worked as a transition navigator for both high school and college students with disabilities, focusing on competitive integrated employment. As director of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for a National Science Foundation-funded research grant exploring ways to increase the number of students with disabilities in the STEM fields, she organized a series of workshops that featured college faculty's most effective teaching and learning strategies. A writer by training, Kate received her M.S. in journalism from the University of Kansas, wrote a monthly careers column for The Kansas City Star for six years and has written four books about employment, including two about employment for people with disabilities. She is the mother of two sons on the autism spectrum.

Review :
"This is Temple Grandin's most practical and generous work yet. She offers so very much of herself and her real life experiences. Kate Duffy's compassion, empathy and positive attitude pervade the very fiber of this book. The guidelines and suggestions are clear, creative and useful in real-life application. The many specific examples of real people with AS in their careers are invaluable, especially to the Autism Spectrum population. While the book was written for people with AS, it is an essential work for anyone who cares for, teaches, employs or works with someone on the spectrum. It will go to the top of my recommended reading list!" --Sue Moreno, founder and president, Maap Services Inc. "This book will be very useful to individuals with Asperger Syndrome or high-functioning autism, and especially valuable to parents and others who aspire to be 'helpers.' Written with clarity and directness, Temple's illustrations from her own youthful experiences are convincing and will inspire hope and impart practical guidance. The book covers all aspects of the search for suitable careers for individuals on the autism spectrum. This is a unique and very important book." --Lorna Jean King, OTR, founder, The Children's Center for Neurodevelopmental Studies "A book with hard-hitting, concrete help for adolescents and young adults preparing for the adult world of work. This book is of equal value to individuals on the autism spectrum, their parents, educators, and career-guidance professionals. No Pollyanna about how easy things are, Temple Grandin humanizes this challenging part of young adults' world by her own stories and sage advice. Of special importance is the emphasis upon developing social and communication skills. Chock-full of practical how-to's and step-by-step instructions for making it through the maze of choosing a career, this book is a must-read, must-do for young adults and their transition partners from all walks of life." --Roger N. Meyer, author, Aspberger Syndrome Employment Workbook