Summer Job for Teenager on the Spectrum?

meezermom

Joined: Jun 17, 2011

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Hi All -

I have a teenage son (he'll be 18 in September) who is looking for part-time work over the summer. He is on the autism spectrum and I worry that he may not be the best at the interview process, but he is incredibly motivated and is super at following directions and excels in school (straight A student). He has a bit of social anxiety, which we have been working in therapy to alleviate, and he has just been released from therapy and they suggested that he get out and about in the world.

He would love to do something like work at HEB as a personal shopper where there is not a whole lot of personal communication with the public so he can get accustomed to dealing with people, but I am wondering if there is a way to explain in the application process that he might need a bit of accommodation in the interview process and a bit of extra help in training.

Does anyone have any insight into how I can help him with this? He's never had a job before, and he really wants to get out into the world and succeed.

Thanks for any help you all can provide us!

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Hammerheadjim

Joined: Nov 7, 2006

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3:44p, 5/13/25

AG

My adult daughter worked at Habitat for Humanity for three summers. We went through the Texas Workforce Commission to help her find a part-time job. She loved it.
TWC has a team that works with autistic and disabled young adults.

Walk softly and carry a big stick! Make sure the big stick makes big boom noises and flashy bright lights.

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TXCityGirl

Joined: Oct 15, 2014

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9:18a, 5/14/25

Kroger hires a wide variety of folks with differences. I would encourage him to apply there for a bagger position or a cart wrangler.

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2007fightintexasaggie

Joined: Jun 14, 2003

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In reply to meezermom • 12:11p, 5/14/25

AG

I would encourage him to apply at HEB and maybe take it so far as to go up there and try to speak with a manager directly. If the social anxiety is a concern, maybe have a paper in hand outlining his situation and that it may be hard for him with initial contact and essentially what he's interested in and why he's there. That shows initiative vs. just submitting an application and waiting on a call. I've never heard one bad thing from anyone that I know that's worked at HEB and from the managers I interact with at the Towerpoint location, I feel like they would openly discuss an opportunity with him.

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