Giovanni Carrion is a student with Project Career Launch, a program that provides the tools and training necessary to increase employment outcomes for young adults on the autism spectrum. As a parent thinking about her child’s potentially stressful transition into adulthood, Ms. Carrion looked into any opportunity to increase the chances for her son. After speaking with her son’s teachers, she was recommended to Project Career Launch. “Programs like these are important because sometimes you see someone with a disability and assume that maybe they can’t do much. But you have to give everyone a chance and this program has done that” Ms. Carrion expressed.

When asked to look back regarding his concerns with the future, Giovanni spoke specifically not just about finding a job but finding the right job that suited him and his skillset. “When I was trying to find a job, some of the fears I had was whether this job fits me. Does this job fit with my skills or intelligence? Project Career Launch helped me with this.” Giovanni advised.

As part of the program to work through these concerns, students like Giovanni took a variety of surveys and conducted a great deal of research to not only understand their strengths for an employer but to better understand what career paths they wish to take on their own. Hope Deeden, one of the teachers in Project Career Launch spoke highly of Giovanni, pointing out his deep-thinking nature and determination to constantly improve at different tasks as well as a person. “Giovanni is a thinker. He really takes the time to reflect on what I am teaching him and what he is learning” Expressed Ms. Deeden.

Giovanni has not only received support from Transition Pathways and the Project Career Launch team, but at home. Ms. Carrion had a few points of advice on best ways to support a young adult on the autism spectrum. “Be an advocate for your child from the beginning. Find out what you need to do in order for your child to be where they want to be”.

After participating in Project Career Launch, Giovanni is excited to have received a full time position in manufacturing which includes health and retirement benefits. Transition Pathways and the Project Career Launch team look forward to what the future holds for Giovanni and enjoy supporting him along the way.