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Youth in Transition Toolkit:

3

Employment

Skills for success

Build communication skills

Does the youth have good communication skills and any supports needed for communication? Communication skills include writing, speaking, listening and understanding nonverbal cues — with use of augmentative devices as needed.

  • Awareness: Understand appropriate communication skills and the importance of these skills in the work environment.
  • Exploration: Identify personal strengths, preferences, interests and needs related to communication.
  • Preparation: Practice communication skills at home, school and in the community.
  • Implementation: Communicate successfully on the job.

Workplace readiness training

Lightbulb LEARN

LEARN: Develop your knowledge

Learn how to help youth in using communication skills.

Teaching communication skills: A toolkit for educators (PDF) from the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center provides information about how to help students with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities improve their ability to communicate. Review tips for initiating, sending, receiving and responding to messages.

Resources DO

DO: Work with youth

Find resources to help youth use communication skills.

Help us develop this section! Do you have resource ideas to share? Use the Give Feedback link at the top of the page.

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