Have you ever been asked to do something you weren’t prepared for?
One of my most vivid recurring nightmares involves me standing outside a grand symphony hall, seeing my name in lights on the marquee, advertising a concerto I’m about to perform. There’s just one problem—I don’t play any instruments! The sinking feeling of being rushed toward the stage, unprepared, is enough to wake me up in a cold sweat. It’s not that there’s a villain chasing me, but the terror of being expected to perform without any skills is just as terrifying.
Maybe it’s just a dream, but it feels all too real when we’re asked to take on tasks we’re not equipped for in real life.
A Real-Life Stage: Career Development for Neurodivergent Students
For many Career Development Professionals (CDPs), this feeling hits close to home. You’re expected to guide students through crucial career decisions—especially neurodivergent students who often face unique challenges—without having received proper training on how to best support them. That’s not just frustrating for you, but it also has a significant impact on the students who rely on you for guidance.
Neurodivergence includes conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. With 1 in 4 people being neurodivergent and more adults receiving diagnoses every day, it's becoming even more crucial to be equipped with the right knowledge and tools to support them effectively. Without adequate training, you risk not only feeling unprepared but potentially missing the opportunity to help these students flourish in their careers.
Why Training is Essential
Think back to that symphony stage. Wouldn’t it feel so much better to have been handed the music, taught the notes, and given time to practice? That’s the difference good training makes. When you understand how to work with neurodivergent students—how to help them make decisions around things like job disclosure—you’re no longer standing on an unfamiliar stage. You’re stepping into a role you’ve been prepared for, confident and ready.
For CDPs, learning how to navigate the tricky issue of job disclosure is critical. Should neurodivergent students disclose their condition to employers? How much should they share? And when? These are tough questions, but with the right support, you can guide your students in making the best decision for them.
Get the Training You Need
At Next Level ASD Consulting, we understand the challenges CDPs face, and we’re here to help. We’re offering a series of webinars designed specifically to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to confidently support neurodivergent students.
Our next webinar, "The Great Disclosure Debate: Assisting Neurodivergent Students with Decisions Around Disclosure," is happening on October 22, 2024. In this session, we’ll tackle the complexities of job-related disclosure and provide practical strategies you can implement immediately. This is your chance to move from feeling unprepared to empowered.
Interested? Have questions? We’re here for you. Let’s make sure that the next time you're asked to step onto that metaphorical stage, you’ll be ready.
Join us on October 22 and get the training you need to better serve your neurodivergent students.