Project SEARCH for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Increasing Competitive Employment On Transition from High School
by Paul Wehman, Carol Schall, Jennifer McDonough, Alissa Molinelli, Erin Riehle, Whitney Ham and Weston Thiss
Schall,
C., McDonough,
J., Molinelli,
A., Riehle,
E., Ham,
W., Thiss,
W.
&
Wehman,
P.
(2012).
Project SEARCH for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Increasing Competitive Employment On Transition from High School.
Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions,
0,
.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1098300712459760
Abstract
Supporting youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the transition to adulthood is challenging. This article provides a description of how Project SEARCH, a model transition program for youth with disabilities, was used to help youth with ASD gain competitive employment. This article includes two case studies and a thorough description of the additional supports provided to increase successful employment on graduation from high school. Key Project SEARCH program components include setting a goal for employment, providing successive intensive internships in a community business, and assuring collaboration between school and adult services staff. Supports specific to students with ASD include providing intensive instruction in social, communication, and job skills; visual supports; and work routine and structure. These supports are described in the provided case studies.
Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions published online 23 October 2012