Re: He got the carrot: A JOB!

[Guest guest]

Fabulous news! Congratulations to him!Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless deviceFrom: "Mimi" <sue@...>Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:30:12 -0000< >Subject: ( ) He got the carrot: A JOB! For those of you following our sage of job hunting, yesterday was a breakthrough! DS got a job offer. It is at Souper Salad, a franchise of fresh breads, soups and huge salad bar. In my opinion, I think it will be a terrific starting place. It is not fast food, which can be very stressful and is frequently the same menu over and over and it's not a restaurant with a Saturday night crush and every one yelling to " hurry up! " He seems to like his supervisor, she will train him in all aspects so he can do any job, but am sure he'll be washing a lot of dishes to begin with! He really likes prep work, which is perfect for salad bar. Supposedly, too, his disability program navigator counselor will also get involved and monitor how he's doing and be able to act as intermediary for any problems. He starts Monday. Full benefits too, health and dental! DS did really well in interview " rehearsal " we did before hand. A dear friend and retired spec ed teacher worked with him on mirroring body language of interviewer (just like the movie " Adam " for those who have seen it) and eye contact. We worked on memorizing two phrases " positive attitude " and " hard worker. " So for just about every question, those two answers worked. My spec ed friend also helped him see that shorter answers were better and stop talking after even a one word answer so he doesn't dig himself into a hole! It is still so hard for these kids. I asked him yesterday (trying to put myself in place of interviewer) " Have you eaten at Souper Salad? " and of course, he replied " no, " because he hasn't in a long time, instead of saying " well, I've been away at school. " A weasel answer to be sure, true, however, but his brain doesn't think like that.So, a cautious, " Yippee! " for us.Sue in TN>> DS (and I) are struggling through trying to help him get a job in a culinary position. ANY food service position. But we find that the interview process, at least for DS, is a total nightmare.> > As a parent always trying to advocate for the young adults, I have learned so much in the past couple of months...the hardest, saddest thing is that all of those issues that were present all during school, such as pragmatic language, social cues, etc. all come roaring right back with an exagerated vengeance going thru the interview process. Employers want BS and " blue sky " answers. > > People on the spectrum (at least my son) are trying so hard to be HONEST! Companies don't want honest, they want corporate speak. Incredibly hard! Here is an example. I was working with him today on sample interview questions. The question was " Tell me about yourself? " Son answered, " I am trying to look for employment in the working field to get up a higher rank. " Or, " What experience do you have? " DS answers, " I have minimal experience I would like to get better work ethics. " Well, he worked for months in school cafeteria, helped with catering, worked cooking meals at Head Start. But these are not the things that come to mind, because we have talked about how he needs an entry level!!!!> > Now if you handed him a carrot, and ask him to cut in nne strips, as is pertinent to his career choice and vocation, he could do that, but answer questions like this...it is impossible. We have resorted to just about the same answer for every question! If anyone remembers Chatty , that is what it is like. Employer asks, " What are your strengths? " " Positive attitude. " " what is your work ethic? " " Positive attitude. " What kind of coworkers do you like? " " Positive attitude. " > > LOL, it works in a multitude of situations. I just am at a loss for helping him on this! We have made flashcards, but poor short term memory is making even that difficult. > > Sue in TN>

[Guest guest]

That is so great! I am really proud of him (and I don't even know him haha). It sounds like this job will be a great starter job to help him in the future. Tell him congrats from those weirdos on the internet haha.

From: Mimi <sue@...> Sent: Sun, October 18, 2009 9:30:12 AMSubject: ( ) He got the carrot: A JOB!

For those of you following our sage of job hunting, yesterday was a breakthrough! DS got a job offer. It is at Souper Salad, a franchise of fresh breads, soups and huge salad bar. In my opinion, I think it will be a terrific starting place. It is not fast food, which can be very stressful and is frequently the same menu over and over and it's not a restaurant with a Saturday night crush and every one yelling to "hurry up!" He seems to like his supervisor, she will train him in all aspects so he can do any job, but am sure he'll be washing a lot of dishes to begin with! He really likes prep work, which is perfect for salad bar. Supposedly, too, his disability program navigator counselor will also get involved and monitor how he's doing and be able to act as intermediary for any problems. He starts Monday. Full benefits too, health and dental! DS did really well in interview "rehearsal" we did before hand. A dear friend and retired spec

ed teacher worked with him on mirroring body language of interviewer (just like the movie "Adam" for those who have seen it) and eye contact. We worked on memorizing two phrases "positive attitude" and "hard worker." So for just about every question, those two answers worked. My spec ed friend also helped him see that shorter answers were better and stop talking after even a one word answer so he doesn't dig himself into a hole! It is still so hard for these kids. I asked him yesterday (trying to put myself in place of interviewer) "Have you eaten at Souper Salad?" and of course, he replied "no," because he hasn't in a long time, instead of saying "well, I've been away at school." A weasel answer to be sure, true, however, but his brain doesn't think like that.So, a cautious, "Yippee!" for us.Sue in TN>> DS (and I) are struggling through trying to help him get a job in a culinary position. ANY food service position. But we find that the interview process, at least for DS, is a total nightmare.> > As a parent always trying to advocate for the young adults, I have learned so much in the past couple of months...the hardest, saddest thing is that all of those issues that were present all during school, such as pragmatic language, social cues, etc. all come roaring right back with an exagerated vengeance going thru the interview process. Employers want BS and "blue sky" answers. > > People on the spectrum (at least my son) are trying so hard to be HONEST! Companies don't want honest, they want corporate speak. Incredibly hard! Here is an example. I was working with him today on sample interview

questions. The question was "Tell me about yourself?" Son answered, "I am trying to look for employment in the working field to get up a higher rank." Or, "What experience do you have?" DS answers, "I have minimal experience I would like to get better work ethics." Well, he worked for months in school cafeteria, helped with catering, worked cooking meals at Head Start. But these are not the things that come to mind, because we have talked about how he needs an entry level!!!!> > Now if you handed him a carrot, and ask him to cut in nne strips, as is pertinent to his career choice and vocation, he could do that, but answer questions like this...it is impossible. We have resorted to just about the same answer for every question! If anyone remembers Chatty , that is what it is like. Employer asks, "What are your strengths?" "Positive attitude." "what is your work ethic?" "Positive attitude." What kind of coworkers do you like?"

"Positive attitude." > > LOL, it works in a multitude of situations. I just am at a loss for helping him on this! We have made flashcards, but poor short term memory is making even that difficult. > > Sue in TN>

[Guest guest]

YAY!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

So happy for you, both.

Robin

From: Mimi <sue@...>Subject: ( ) He got the carrot: A JOB! Date: Sunday, October 18, 2009, 8:30 AM

For those of you following our sage of job hunting, yesterday was a breakthrough! DS got a job offer. It is at Souper Salad, a franchise of fresh breads, soups and huge salad bar. In my opinion, I think it will be a terrific starting place. It is not fast food, which can be very stressful and is frequently the same menu over and over and it's not a restaurant with a Saturday night crush and every one yelling to "hurry up!" He seems to like his supervisor, she will train him in all aspects so he can do any job, but am sure he'll be washing a lot of dishes to begin with! He really likes prep work, which is perfect for salad bar. Supposedly, too, his disability program navigator counselor will also get involved and monitor how he's doing and be able to act as intermediary for any problems. He starts Monday. Full benefits too, health and dental! DS did really well in interview "rehearsal" we did before hand. A dear friend and retired

spec ed teacher worked with him on mirroring body language of interviewer (just like the movie "Adam" for those who have seen it) and eye contact. We worked on memorizing two phrases "positive attitude" and "hard worker." So for just about every question, those two answers worked. My spec ed friend also helped him see that shorter answers were better and stop talking after even a one word answer so he doesn't dig himself into a hole! It is still so hard for these kids. I asked him yesterday (trying to put myself in place of interviewer) "Have you eaten at Souper Salad?" and of course, he replied "no," because he hasn't in a long time, instead of saying "well, I've been away at school." A weasel answer to be sure, true, however, but his brain doesn't think like that.So, a cautious, "Yippee!" for us.Sue in TN>> DS (and I) are struggling through trying to help him get a job in a culinary position. ANY food service position. But we find that the interview process, at least for DS, is a total nightmare.> > As a parent always trying to advocate for the young adults, I have learned so much in the past couple of months...the hardest, saddest thing is that all of those issues that were present all during school, such as pragmatic language, social cues, etc. all come roaring right back with an exagerated vengeance going thru the interview process. Employers want BS and "blue sky" answers. > > People on the spectrum (at least my son) are trying so hard to be HONEST! Companies don't want honest, they want corporate speak. Incredibly hard! Here is an example. I was working with him today on sample interview

questions. The question was "Tell me about yourself?" Son answered, "I am trying to look for employment in the working field to get up a higher rank." Or, "What experience do you have?" DS answers, "I have minimal experience I would like to get better work ethics." Well, he worked for months in school cafeteria, helped with catering, worked cooking meals at Head Start. But these are not the things that come to mind, because we have talked about how he needs an entry level!!!!> > Now if you handed him a carrot, and ask him to cut in nne strips, as is pertinent to his career choice and vocation, he could do that, but answer questions like this...it is impossible. We have resorted to just about the same answer for every question! If anyone remembers Chatty , that is what it is like. Employer asks, "What are your strengths?" "Positive attitude." "what is your work ethic?" "Positive attitude." What kind of coworkers do you like?"

"Positive attitude." > > LOL, it works in a multitude of situations. I just am at a loss for helping him on this! We have made flashcards, but poor short term memory is making even that difficult. > > Sue in TN>

[Guest guest]

I love Souper Salad! I've been following your story along and I know this is a huge relief, but you still probably haven't fully exhaled yet due to past situations. I'm so happy for your family...fingers are crossed!

"Over-optimism is waiting for you ship to come in when you haven't sent one out."

From: Mimi <sue@...> Sent: Sunday, October 18, 2009 8:30:12 AMSubject: ( ) He got the carrot: A JOB!

For those of you following our sage of job hunting, yesterday was a breakthrough! DS got a job offer. It is at Souper Salad, a franchise of fresh breads, soups and huge salad bar. In my opinion, I think it will be a terrific starting place. It is not fast food, which can be very stressful and is frequently the same menu over and over and it's not a restaurant with a Saturday night crush and every one yelling to "hurry up!" He seems to like his supervisor, she will train him in all aspects so he can do any job, but am sure he'll be washing a lot of dishes to begin with! He really likes prep work, which is perfect for salad bar. Supposedly, too, his disability program navigator counselor will also get involved and monitor how he's doing and be able to act as intermediary for any problems. He starts Monday. Full benefits too, health and dental! DS did really well in interview "rehearsal" we did before hand. A dear friend and retired spec

ed teacher worked with him on mirroring body language of interviewer (just like the movie "Adam" for those who have seen it) and eye contact. We worked on memorizing two phrases "positive attitude" and "hard worker." So for just about every question, those two answers worked. My spec ed friend also helped him see that shorter answers were better and stop talking after even a one word answer so he doesn't dig himself into a hole! It is still so hard for these kids. I asked him yesterday (trying to put myself in place of interviewer) "Have you eaten at Souper Salad?" and of course, he replied "no," because he hasn't in a long time, instead of saying "well, I've been away at school." A weasel answer to be sure, true, however, but his brain doesn't think like that.So, a cautious, "Yippee!" for us.Sue in TN>> DS (and I) are struggling through trying to help him get a job in a culinary position. ANY food service position. But we find that the interview process, at least for DS, is a total nightmare.> > As a parent always trying to advocate for the young adults, I have learned so much in the past couple of months...the hardest, saddest thing is that all of those issues that were present all during school, such as pragmatic language, social cues, etc. all come roaring right back with an exagerated vengeance going thru the interview process. Employers want BS and "blue sky" answers. > > People on the spectrum (at least my son) are trying so hard to be HONEST! Companies don't want honest, they want corporate speak. Incredibly hard! Here is an example. I was working with him today on sample interview

questions. The question was "Tell me about yourself?" Son answered, "I am trying to look for employment in the working field to get up a higher rank." Or, "What experience do you have?" DS answers, "I have minimal experience I would like to get better work ethics." Well, he worked for months in school cafeteria, helped with catering, worked cooking meals at Head Start. But these are not the things that come to mind, because we have talked about how he needs an entry level!!!!> > Now if you handed him a carrot, and ask him to cut in nne strips, as is pertinent to his career choice and vocation, he could do that, but answer questions like this...it is impossible. We have resorted to just about the same answer for every question! If anyone remembers Chatty , that is what it is like. Employer asks, "What are your strengths?" "Positive attitude." "what is your work ethic?" "Positive attitude." What kind of coworkers do you like?"

"Positive attitude." > > LOL, it works in a multitude of situations. I just am at a loss for helping him on this! We have made flashcards, but poor short term memory is making even that difficult. > > Sue in TN>

[Guest guest]

YIPPEE!! That's great and fingers are crossed!! It does sound like a good

environment (as opposed to fast food type). Do give us an update in a week or

so, let us know what he thinks of it!

>

> For those of you following our sage of job hunting, yesterday was a

breakthrough! DS got a job offer. It is at Souper Salad, a franchise of fresh

breads, soups and huge salad bar. In my opinion, I think it will be a terrific

starting place. It is not fast food, which can be very stressful and is

frequently the same menu over and over and it's not a restaurant with a Saturday

night crush and every one yelling

[Guest guest]

Yep, I ditto that, well done, to BOTH of you.

Lor B

From: Chambers <missjen0124@...>Subject: Re: ( ) He got the carrot: A JOB! Date: Sunday, 18 October, 2009, 15:56

That is so great! I am really proud of him (and I don't even know him haha). It sounds like this job will be a great starter job to help him in the future. Tell him congrats from those weirdos on the internet haha.

From: Mimi <sue@chasinglewisand clark.com> Sent: Sun, October 18, 2009 9:30:12 AMSubject: ( ) He got the carrot: A JOB!

For those of you following our sage of job hunting, yesterday was a breakthrough! DS got a job offer. It is at Souper Salad, a franchise of fresh breads, soups and huge salad bar. In my opinion, I think it will be a terrific starting place. It is not fast food, which can be very stressful and is frequently the same menu over and over and it's not a restaurant with a Saturday night crush and every one yelling to "hurry up!" He seems to like his supervisor, she will train him in all aspects so he can do any job, but am sure he'll be washing a lot of dishes to begin with! He really likes prep work, which is perfect for salad bar. Supposedly, too, his disability program navigator counselor will also get involved and monitor how he's doing and be able to act as intermediary for any problems. He starts Monday. Full benefits too, health and dental! DS did really well in interview "rehearsal" we did before hand. A dear friend and retired

spec ed teacher worked with him on mirroring body language of interviewer (just like the movie "Adam" for those who have seen it) and eye contact. We worked on memorizing two phrases "positive attitude" and "hard worker." So for just about every question, those two answers worked. My spec ed friend also helped him see that shorter answers were better and stop talking after even a one word answer so he doesn't dig himself into a hole! It is still so hard for these kids. I asked him yesterday (trying to put myself in place of interviewer) "Have you eaten at Souper Salad?" and of course, he replied "no," because he hasn't in a long time, instead of saying "well, I've been away at school." A weasel answer to be sure, true, however, but his brain doesn't think like that.So, a cautious, "Yippee!" for us.Sue in TN>> DS (and I) are struggling through trying to help him get a job in a culinary position. ANY food service position. But we find that the interview process, at least for DS, is a total nightmare.> > As a parent always trying to advocate for the young adults, I have learned so much in the past couple of months...the hardest, saddest thing is that all of those issues that were present all during school, such as pragmatic language, social cues, etc. all come roaring right back with an exagerated vengeance going thru the interview process. Employers want BS and "blue sky" answers. > > People on the spectrum (at least my son) are trying so hard to be HONEST! Companies don't want honest, they want corporate speak. Incredibly hard! Here is an example. I was working with him today on sample interview

questions. The question was "Tell me about yourself?" Son answered, "I am trying to look for employment in the working field to get up a higher rank." Or, "What experience do you have?" DS answers, "I have minimal experience I would like to get better work ethics." Well, he worked for months in school cafeteria, helped with catering, worked cooking meals at Head Start. But these are not the things that come to mind, because we have talked about how he needs an entry level!!!!> > Now if you handed him a carrot, and ask him to cut in nne strips, as is pertinent to his career choice and vocation, he could do that, but answer questions like this...it is impossible. We have resorted to just about the same answer for every question! If anyone remembers Chatty , that is what it is like. Employer asks, "What are your strengths?" "Positive attitude." "what is your work ethic?" "Positive attitude." What kind of coworkers do you like?"

"Positive attitude." > > LOL, it works in a multitude of situations. I just am at a loss for helping him on this! We have made flashcards, but poor short term memory is making even that difficult. > > Sue in TN>