Capella University, an Accredited Online University, Sponsors Groundbreaking Forum Focusing on Employment for People with Autism

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Capella University (http://www.capella.edu), an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high quality online degree programs for working adults, is sponsoring an upcoming forum that will illustrate the successful introduction of people with autism to the workforce. The event, titled “Autism and Employment: Discovering the Gifts and Talents of People with Autism,” is being hosted by the Autism Society of Minnesota and will be held on Feb. 17 at 1:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. in the Universe Room of 3M Company’s Administrative Center in Maplewood, Minn. The focus of the forum, which will feature autism expert and author Temple Grandin, is how to help individuals with autism be successful in seeking and retaining employment. Among the topics to be covered are the mechanics of hiring, and nurturing and retaining individuals with autism. The discussion will be particularly relevant to hiring managers, HR generalists, training teams, company affinity groups, and corporate officer educators. Along with Capella, other sponsors include 3M Company, Cargill and Best Buy.

“A Best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Schools”

“Capella University is proud to participate in furthering the goal of autism awareness and recognition of the employment-related needs and abilities of adults with autism in our community. We consider adults on the autism spectrum to be an ‘undiscovered workforce’ with the potential to make a valuable contribution to our community,” said Dr. Lee A. Wilkinson, EdD, PhD, CCBT, NCSP, a faculty member with Capella’s Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “For example, people with autism tend to perform well in a structured and well organized environment and have unique strengths and abilities that are useful to an employer, such as accuracy, attention to detail, reliability, and careful application of routine tasks. Although presenting some challenges, working with someone with an autism spectrum disorder can be an enriching experience for both managers and colleagues.”

Dr. Wilkinson, who is the author of the book “A Best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Schools,” provides the following specific tips for working with people with autism:

Try to avoid using sarcasm, irony and metaphors.
Don’t be patronizing – having autism doesn’t mean that someone lacks intelligence.
Follow the six-second rule: after you ask a question, allow a six-second pause for a response (it takes some people that long to process the question and develop a response.)
Don’t assume what you have said has been understood. Check for understanding.
Keep questions/sentences simple and direct – avoid open-ended questions when possible (e.g., instead of asking “When are you free?” you could ask “Are you free at 10 a.m. on Wednesday?”)
People with autism tend to be visual learners and often find visual methods of communication helpful. Use visual/written timetables to help plan and organize daily tasks if necessary.

As of Sept. 30, 2010, more than 38,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella, with 30 percent enrolled in Capella’s doctoral degree programs, and 48 percent enrolled in Capella’s master’s degree programs.

About Capella University

Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Nearly 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's, specialist, or doctoral degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, and public safety. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, public administration, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 136 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 17 certificate programs. More than 38,000 learners were enrolled as of September 30, 2010, from all 50 states and 52 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).

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* Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.

Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu.

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