Anyone here have older LD teenagers? I have a question

Hmmm…. would she be amenable to a “job” at home? In a similar spot I was responsible for Monday’s meals at our house & learned a few basic recipes. (I think I was even 17 :-)).
Does she perceive that she needs to learn things to get a job? THat would make it easier — but even if she doesn’t agree, you can say “while you’re looking for the ‘right job,’ it’s a real hazard that you’ll get into the habits of being unemployed — so let’s work on those daily discipline habits.” She could pick some responsibility (perhaps from a list, or brainstorm with her) so it wasn’t totally tedious — after all, we often get some choice in our jobs — and work on having it done supremely well so it becomes a positive part of the day. The trick would probably be building in the structure (that I suspect her first attempt at a job was lacking) and feedback (you need to get used to the idea that “even though nobody’s looking, if you don’t do it, they notice right away”) so that she got accustomed to figuring out what she had to do and then motivating herself to do it and do it well.
Or… tryin’ to think out of the box… what are her skills and strengths? How could she be developing them further, productively?

No real answers, just hoping some stray thoughts will help…

Well, I’d start by trying to identify what went wrong with the first job and help her identify other types of positions. Most jobs for teenagers are being routine and boring. They tend to be structured so maybe that won’t be an issue again.

Also, what does she like? My 12 year old LD son just started working for a friend of my husband’s in his greenhouse. He loves plants and started a ton from seed/cuttings. Perhaps if she found something she was passionate about other issues wouldn’t matter. My son certainly isn’t mature for his age but they love him. He works hard because they are paying him for doing what he loves to do.

Beth

My 16 y/o daughter that has CAPD just started her first job at Walt Disney World about two weeks ago.

When my daughter filled out her application she put down that she has CAPD. She was asked to go to her MD and get a job limitation form completed. She did and now they are training her within her learning abilities.

If the employer is unaware of the disability they cannot accomodate the disability.

Plus employers cannot discriminate against persons with disability (ADA).

It has helped my daughter’s self esteem because she has done the whole hiring process all by her self.

Good luck and try again.

My 15 yr old girl is getting closer to that day of getting out in the world and I am scared to death! For the way she is now, there is NO WAY she will make it! We are still struggling with her to deal with everyday life. We have a long way to go to get her to that point. We have struggled with trying to find help for all of us and the whole LD situation, education, behavior, family problems, the whole bit. We have not found ANYTHING to help us yet, after 7 years
So I know we can’t even get into the get out in the world phase yet. Oh I dread it!!

Hi Sisymay,
Becoming a volunteer with non profit organizations can be helpful way to gain some experience in a workplace.

If you have the Good Will in your area they sound like they will train you for a job. I have had no experience with it, so I am not sure how old you need to be, but it is another avenue you can try.

My LD’er is 13 so we’re not there yet but I have two older boys

Most teens start working in the fast food industry or grocery stores.

I think she would be able to handle bagging groceries and wiping up tables. They usually start you at bagging or stocking in a grocery-its unlikely theyd put her on a register first day out

You shouldnt feel you are limiting her options IMO because that’s what neurotypical teens do