Health

Train your teen in personal care and hygiene (e.g. managing themselves during illness), toilet etiquette (e.g. closing the door), and grooming (e.g. choosing the appropriate outfit, tidying their hair and being aware of their body odour). Additionally, engage your teen in regular exercise and cultivate a healthy diet.

Safety – Travel

Being able to travel to work independently can improve job retention. It is essential to train your teen in planning their journey and taking public transport. Start with a simple task of travelling to a shopping mall together via public transport, and gradually assign them responsibilities such as identifying the best routes for local or international travel.

Safety – Digital

Educate your teen on responsible social media usage and ensure they know how to protect their personal information online. international travel.

Safety – Boundaries

Discuss personal and appropriate boundaries with others with them. For instance, maintaining proper physical distance during conversations and recognising respectful behaviour, such as avoiding inappropriate gazes towards others.

• Household management: Encourage them to help with chores and learn essential home maintenance.
• Time management: Help them develop a sense of time and prioritise tasks

• Social Manners: Let them be aware of social etiquette (e.g., greetings, no interruptions when others are speaking, and use the correct choice of words).
• Communication: Encourage open and honest communication.
• Empathy: Teach them to understand and share the feelings of others.
• Teamwork: Foster a collaborative spirit and the ability to work with others.
• Conflict resolution: Help them develop strategies for handling conflicts and arguments.

• Responsibility: Emphasise the importance of being reliable and accountable (e.g., be punctual, meet deadlines, and consistent work performance).
• Professionalism: Guide them in appropriate workplace behaviour (e.g. understand the hierarchy in the workplace and respecting workplace policies such as leave application).
• Adaptability: Encourage a flexible mindset to embrace change (e.g. using a calendar would be helpful to adapt to changes better).
• Be Receptive: Help them understand that feedback is not a criticism but to cultivate a growth mindset.

• Explore interests: Encourage them to try different activities and hobbies.
• Skill development: Support their pursuit of skills related to their passions.
• Career exploration: Help them research potential career paths.
• Job shadowing: Arrange opportunities to observe different professions. One way is by doing volunteer jobs in the
  interested field or keeping an eye on signing up for any visits to the industry (e.g., industry visits for high school
  students)

• To consult a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist if your teen shows signs of mental health issues
• Guide your teen to identify and manage their emotional triggers.
• Participate in self-care activities such as going on holidays and practising mindfulness with your teen.
• Cultivate healthy and supportive relationships with your teen.
• Involve your teen in volunteering to enhance their self-esteem.
• Train your teen to accept changes, such as adjustments to outings or dinner plans.

• Engage in regular conversation with your teen and create opportunities for them to express their thoughts and opinions on various topics, such as career pathways, educational goals, dreams and interests.
• Explain their autistic condition to them and explore how best to support them, such as breaking down instructions into smaller steps.
• Enhance their self-awareness by having regular conversations about their strengths and areas for improvement.
• Listen to your teen’s expectations, even if they sometimes seem unrealistic. Explore small, achievable steps together. This approach fosters open communication and supports better-informed decision-making.
• Train them to communicate their support needs to others, for instance, by using visual aids.
• Encourage decision-making by starting with simple daily choices, such as deciding on meals.
• Expose them to various activities (e.g. drawing, singing, sports, music, etc.) and career options to help them discover their strengths and interests.

Ways to develop financial literacy skills:

• Assign them responsibilities, such as grocery shopping or buying meals, as a practical experience in money management.
• Teach them how to set saving goals and budget effectively.
• Provide opportunities for them to earn money through labour (e.g. house chores) and use their earnings to contribute to household expenses, such as paying utility bills or their own phone bills.

While it may seem like a lot to work on, these essential skills will help your teen thrive in the workplace. Early exposure to these skills can lead to a lasting and positive impact.