| Background: |
Previous researches showed that: (1)individuals with disabilities are frequently unemployed or underemployed; (2) employment provides important psychological, mental health, quality of life and financial benefits; (3) an increase in employment rates among those with ASD would result not only in individual benefits but also in decreased costs to society. In addition, few previous studies have directly questioned those with ASD and their families about their employment experiences |
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Purpose:
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The purpose of this study is to conduct an initial investigation of the employment outcomes and experiences of young adults on the autism spectrum. |
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Study sample: |
Nineteen parents/guardians of adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. And seventeen adolescents and young adults with ASD |
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Data collection and analysis:
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The questionnaires were completed by parents and young adults with ASD respectively. The parent/guardian questionnaire contains demographic questions and those regarding their child’s employment situation. Young adults with ASD completed a questionnaire about their employment experiences. |
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Findings:
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The findings demonstrate that those with ASD have difficulty finding employment, typically find employment through people they know (perhaps more than would be expected in a typically developing population), are low paid workers, and are likely to work in part-time, entry level positions. In addition, questionnaire responses indicated high job satisfaction and job retention, but the majority were in low paid, part-time positions. |
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Conclusions:
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These findings reflect the dire need for additional employment supports for those with ASD. Given the right training both in school and on the job, and then supports in the workplace, the current employment situation for many individuals on the autism spectrum could be improved. |
