Mentoring Day with Autism Behavioral Consulting
by Alana Thelen, a Mentoring Day participant
Employment Disability Resources and Autism Behavioral Consulting offered their first Mentoring Day to young adults with autism on Monday, December 22. “Mentoring Day is a great opportunity for individuals with disabilities to explore career options, but also for businesses to learn about the great potential that individuals with disabilities have to offer their businesses,” said Julie Christian of Autism Behavioral Consulting.
The decision to offer a Mentoring Day occurred when Christian expressed to Vicki Stewart, Executive Director of Employment Disability Resources, the struggles many of the adults she and Brittany Schmidt of Autism Behavioral Consulting work with experience to find employment, especially in professional settings. “We talked about how high functioning adults with autism disproportionately experience underemployment and unemployment despite their education and talents,” said Christian. “She was very interested and suggested that we collaborate for Mentoring Day.”
With five mentees participating, the day began with a small luncheon at Autism Behavioral Consulting. Joining them was Jenna Bump, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. The five mentees then spent time at their mentoring sites from 1-4pm.
Among the five businesses that served as mentors were Aerostar, Orthotics & Prosthetics Specialties, Sioux Falls Police Department, Sioux Falls Simplified, and Trail Ridge Senior Living Community. The time each mentor spent with their mentees left a positive impression on both sides. “This event was particularly meaningful for me because my younger brother is on the autism spectrum, and I’ve got to see his career success with the help of mentorship,” said Megan Raposa, Founder of Sioux Falls Simplified. “It felt nice to be able to give back in my own way to support others navigating a similar journey.”
At the end of the day, everyone had a debriefing meeting at Autism Behavioral Consulting where the mentees completed surveys. While some of them learned the job they were interested in was not for them, all of them learned more about themselves.
Overall, Mentoring Day was an exciting and successful experience for everyone. There are even plans to offer more Mentoring Days in spring and December 2026. “We have a few small changes in mind, mostly about timing,” said Schmidt, “but overall, I would say it was a positive experience for everyone involved.”
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Workplace
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a difference in brain development that makes social interaction and communication more challenging and can lead to intense focus on specific things or routines in all environments, including the workplace. ASD can influence an employee’s behavior, communication style, and work performance in various ways. It is important for employers to recognize these effects and consider supportive practices to foster an inclusive and productive work environment.
Employees with ASD bring valuable perspectives and skills to the workplace. By understanding the ways ASD can affect individuals at work and implementing thoughtful accommodations, employers can create an inclusive environment that supports all employees’ success.
How ASD May Affect an Employee
- Communication: Employees with ASD may experience challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication. This can include difficulties understanding body language, tone of voice, or social cues, and expressing themselves clearly. Some individuals may prefer written communication over face-to-face conversations.
- Social Interaction: Navigating workplace relationships can be more complex for individuals with ASD. They may find it challenging to engage in small talk, participate in group discussions, or interpret the intentions of colleagues, which can sometimes be mistaken for aloofness or disinterest.
- Sensory Sensitivities: Many people with ASD are sensitive to sensory input such as bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells.
- Routine and Predictability: Employees with ASD often thrive with clear routines and predictable schedules. Unplanned changes or ambiguous instructions may cause stress or anxiety.
- Attention to Detail: Many individuals with ASD excel at tasks requiring focus, precision, and attention to detail. They may demonstrate strong skills in areas such as data analysis, pattern recognition, or technical work.
More on ASD Associated Strengths and General Considerations for Employers can be found in the full article AVAILABLE HERE.
Employment Disability Resources is proud to offer the Disability Employment Partner program!
In partnership with the Sioux Falls Disability Awareness and Accessibility Review Board (DAARB), we give local businesses who employ one or more people with disabilities an award to acknowledge and celebrate their diverse, inclusive workplace culture. Watch for the “Disability Employment Partner” sticker on the doors of local businesses.
The Harrisburg School District, Adventure Elementary, recently received an award:
For more information about employing individuals with disabilities, please contact:
Vicki Stewart, Executive Director
Employment Disability Resources
2900 W. 11th Street, Suite 101, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605-215-1760 or [email protected]