Veda OT

01/19/2026

The hidden skills behind earning income.
Sometimes the biggest barriers to earning income aren’t about work tasks, they’re about the behind-the-scenes life skills.
Here are a few we build in OT sessions;
-planning and starting tasks
-time awareness
-communication needs
-coping with unexpected change
-basic money skills

These are independence skills that make any income path easier later.
Small steps now = more choices later

01/17/2026

Not sure when or how to introduce work experiences to your autistic teen?
You’re not alone. 💙
In our newest video, we explain how early, supported workplace exposure builds skills, confidence, and independence without rushing the process.

🎥 Watch now and start with just one small step.

Entering the workforce can feel overwhelming for autistic teens and young adults, and for parents too. In this video we explain why early workplace experienc...

01/16/2026

Fact: interest based work increase increases motivation
When income activities connect to teens, interests, parentheses animals, art, tech, organizing, gaming, etc.) motivation and follow through often grow natural naturally.
A good fit creates momentum.

01/14/2026

Micro-income counts! Normalize small starts.

Reminder: small income steps, still count.
A teen earning $10 by helping a neighbor, selling art, or doing household chores is practicing adulthood. It’s never too small.
It’s a starting point that builds;
-confidence
-responsibility
-agency
-endurance for routines
Progress is progress, especially when it is theirs.

01/12/2026

When it comes to earning an income, fit matters more than speed. The best starting point is your teens strengths, interests, and sensory profile.
A good fit looks like;
-interest based (built on what they actually enjoy)
-predictable (clear steps and expectations)
-supported (with scaffolding, not pressure)
Income and independence growth is about building realistic, routine routines that your team can own.
Want help identifying options at align with your teens strengths? We’d love to support you.

01/09/2026

Fact: early money experiences, help long-term independence.
Early experiences with earning and managing money, help autistic teens, build confidence, routines, and decision-making skills, long before a formal job.
Small practice now supports bigger independence later.

01/07/2026

New year, new goals! 💫
It’s never too early for your autistic, teen or young adult to start building income and independence skills.
Earning income doesn’t have to start with a “real job”, it can start with;
-exploring interest
-practicing responsibility and small ways
-learning how money works
-trying low pressure ways to contribute
These early steps, build confidence, self advocacy, and future options. And we are here to help families make a plan that fits your teens strengths.
Tell us below: What’s one independence goal you’re hoping for this year?

12/27/2025

Independence isn’t a finish line—it’s a journey built through small wins that add up over time.

As we wrap up the year, we’re highlighting the everyday life skills that help autistic teens and young adults grow into confident, independent adults. This video reviews key skill areas we covered this year—money management, friendships, cooking and groceries, chores and routines, and transportation—and how you can use our short, practical OT-based videos to support your teen step-by-step.

12/19/2025

Progress can be hard to feel, especially for autistic teens.
That’s why making progress visible matters. 💛
As we head into the new year, this video shares an OT-designed way to track growth, build motivation, and celebrate every win.
If you are setting goals for your teen or young adult next year, this video will help you track progress, keep motivation and build success.

https://youtu.be/Us-3cmpAFJErd

Progress can be hard to feel, especially for autistic teens and young adults. In this video, we talk about why small wins matter and how celebrating builds m...

11/19/2025

Thank you to all who attended last week’s Postsecondary SIS meeting! We loved connecting with you and exploring ways OTs can support teens and young adults with disabilities in their employment journey. Your presence made the session meaningful.
Keep an eye out here for details on our next meeting!

11/10/2025

📣 Just a few days left!
Join us Wednesday, Nov 12, 6:30–7:30 PM (Zoom) for a CEU-eligible session with Veda Collmer on empowering youth with disabilities through competitive employment.
🎓 1 CEU | 💲 Free for members | $10 non-members
🔗 Register here: https://www.arizota.org/events/upcoming-events/peds-3

11/07/2025

Occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to support young people with disabilities as they transition to adulthood, but supporting employment readiness also means understanding the legal landscape our clients navigate.
During this PostSecondary SIS meeting your host Veda Collmer will share practical ways to integrate OT frameworks with advocacy and legal awareness to help clients prepare for interviews, understand their employment rights, and use occupational performance principles to build confidence and independence in the job search process.
More info and register here: https://www.arizota.org/events/upcoming-events/peds-3