Nearly half of Australian adults on the autism spectrum are unemployed, but Dapto teen Kayla Sterchow is using a new world-first website to ensure she won’t be part of that statistic.
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The 18-year-old is just one school leaver taking advantage of Aspect’s (Autism Spectrum Australia) new Launchpad to help in the transition from school to work.
The site offers a range of information and advice for young people with autism and their parents, on everything from study and employment options to tips on how to live independently and enjoy an active social life.
Now in Year 12 at Dapto High School’s Wollemi unit, Kayla is using Launchpad to investigate her options as she pursues a career in marine science.
‘‘I’ve always wanted to be a marine biologist – I love dolphins and marine life,’’ she said.
‘‘I’m excited about leaving school and going on to study and then work, but am a bit worried about the change too so this website is really helpful.’’
Kayla was diagnosed with autism at the age of 12, after undergoing brain surgery to control her epilepsy. Her mother Tania said the late diagnosis, and medical issues, had meant that she had missed a lot of schooling.
‘‘At one stage we didn’t think she’d finish year 10 but Dapto’s Wollemi unit has been a great fit for her,’’ Mrs Sterchow said.
‘‘Now Kayla’s been excited to use this new website to find out what she needs to do to enrol at university, and there’s also a lot of helpful information about life skills and social skills which she will need help with.
‘‘It’s presented in an easily accessible format for Kayla, and other students with autism, and there’s also a tab which offers information for parents.’’
Aspect launched the site this month in response to Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force figures which revealed that the unemployment rate of adults on the autism spectrum was 46 per cent. That compared to the national unemployment rate of 5 per cent.
Vicki Gibbs, clinical psychologist and manager of Aspect’s diagnostic service, said the transition from school was ‘‘a crucial time in any young adult’s life and is particularly challenging for young people on the autism spectrum’’.
‘‘Young people and their families have been significantly under-resourced during this important life stage,’’ she said.
‘‘We hope Launchpad will address a gap in reliable information to support them, especially as autism is a lifelong developmental condition affecting around one in 100 people of all ages.’’
Launchpad can be accessed, free of charge, at www.autismlaunchpad.org.au.
lwachsmuth@fairfaxmedia.com.au