Case Study: Building Job Readiness

A 20-year-old client with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD engaged Occupational Therapy support with the goal of becoming job-ready. While motivated to work, he experienced ongoing challenges with executive functioning skills such as planning, organisation, task initiation, and managing routines — all of which were impacting confidence and consistency in employment settings.

Occupational Therapy intervention focused on building practical, real-world skills that could be applied directly to everyday life and the workplace. Rather than relying solely on theory, sessions were structured around functional strategies to support time management, task sequencing, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. We also worked on understanding workplace expectations, preparing for shifts, and developing sustainable routines that supported reliability and independence.

Support was delivered in a strengths-based and collaborative manner, helping the client recognise his capabilities while developing tools to manage areas of difficulty. Over time, he demonstrated increased confidence, improved self-management, and greater insight into how to apply strategies in real-world situations.

As a result of this progress, the client successfully gained employment in a supermarket role. He has been able to maintain work routines, manage responsibilities on shift, and navigate workplace demands more independently. With employment now established, he is ready to focus on broader life goals, including working toward obtaining a driver’s licence and planning a return to university.

This case highlights how targeted Occupational Therapy support can empower young people to move beyond immediate challenges, build confidence, and work toward meaningful participation in work, study, and community life.

If you or someone you support is seeking Occupational Therapy to build executive functioning skills, improve job readiness, or work toward greater independence, please contact Humble Spirit OT. We’re happy to discuss how tailored OT support can help support meaningful progress toward personal and vocational goals.