| Citation: |
urley-Hanson, A.E.; Giannantonio, C.M.; Hyde, K.; Linstead, E.; Wiegand, R.; & Brady, J. (2023). Enhancing employment outcomes for autistic youth: Using machine learning to identify strategies for success.
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 59
(2),
153-168.
|
| Title: |
Enhancing employment outcomes for autistic youth: Using machine learning to identify strategies for success |
| Authors: |
urley-Hanson, A.E.; Giannantonio, C.M.; Hyde, K.; Linstead, E.; Wiegand, R.; & Brady, J. |
| Year: |
2023 |
|
Journal/Publication:
|
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Publisher: |
IOS Press |
| DOI: |
https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-230034
|
| Full text: |
https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil...
|
PDF
|
| Peer-reviewed? |
No
|
| NIDILRR-funded? |
No
|
| Background: |
The employment rates of autistic young adults continue to be significantly lower than that of their neurotypical peers. |
|
Purpose:
|
Researchers in this study sought to identify the barriers and facilitators associated with these individuals’ transition into the workforce to better understand how educators and stakeholders can support students’ post-secondary career plans. |
|
Data collection and analysis:
|
Investigators used a classification tree analysis with a sample of 236 caregivers of autistic individuals, who completed an online survey. |
|
Findings:
|
The analysis identified critical factors in predicting successful employment for respondents 21 years and under and those over 21 years old. These factors included: difficulties in the job search process, challenges with relationships at work, resources used, job maintenance, motivation to work, and the application process. |
|
Conclusions:
|
These findings represent the first use of machine learning to identify pivotal points on the path to employment for autistic individuals. This information will better prepare school-based professionals and other stakeholders to support their students in attaining and maintaining employment, a critical aspect of achieving fulfillment and independence. Future research should consider the perspectives of other stakeholders, autistic individuals and employers, and apply the findings to the development of interventions. |
