On Wednesday 21 May, Jeanette Purkis’ new book, The Wonderful World of Work: A Workbook for Asperteens, was officially launched at the National Library of Australia in Canberra.
The Wonderful World of Work is an activity book about employment which aims to give teenagers on the autism spectrum the confidence and skills they need to successfully enter the workforce. The book demystifies work and offers practical advice on everything from skills and qualifications to communicating in the workplace. It is written from Jeanette’s perspective of being a woman with Asperger syndrome who has had many varied experiences of work and now works in a professional role with the Australian Public Service.
Attendees were drawn from all over Australia and all walks of life. Some of those who attended the event included young people with autism spectrum conditions and their parents, adults on the autism spectrum, representatives from TEDx Canberra, as well as Jeanette’s colleagues and managers from the Australian Public Service.
The evening started with Peter Brady, Chief Executive Officer of Autism Asperger ACT, officially launching the book. Jeanette Purkis then responded with a presentation which looked at her own career journey as a woman with Asperger Syndrome and provided information on the content of the book.
Following the presentations, books were snapped up by eager attendees. Jeanette and illustrator Andrew Hore signed books for people who bought them, with Jeanette coming prepared with a choice of green or purple pens! The highlight of Jeanette’s evening was when one of her Asperteen friends told her that she had just been offered her fist job!
The Wonderful World of Work: A Workbook for Asperteens written by Jeanette Purkis and illustrated by Andrew Hore was published in 2014 by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.