Please, just hand me a carrot

[Guest guest]

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