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First Job or Volunteer Experience for Teens (How to Start Small)
Learn how to help neurodiverse teens gain confidence through first jobs or volunteer experiences.

Kaarin Anderson-Ryan, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA
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Photo by Gerd Altman on Pixaby.
Real-world practice builds confidence!
Ask yourself: What are some of my specific concerns about my teen starting work or volunteer experiences? Are there certain situations that might be more likely to create challenges? Consider some simple, proactive strategies you can set up to help ensure a positive experience, such as:
- Starting with short shifts
- Setting up supportive environments
- Making sure there are clear expectations
Try This This Week: Research one local volunteer or job opportunity together. Go visit the potential worksites to get a feel for how it would be to work or volunteer in that setting.
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