Supporting Employment through Self-Determination for Young Adults with ASD: A Feasibility Study

2019

For transition-aged young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), employment represents a key component of participation. Yet, while many young adults with ASD want to work, employment outcomes remain poor. However, research has shown that increasing self-determination can lead to better employment outcomes. Self-determined individuals participate in self-chosen, meaningful, and goal-oriented every-day activities. This project will evaluate the feasibility, fidelity, and impact of delivering a community-based, interdisciplinary intervention, the Self-Determined Career Development Model (SDCDM) on functional and employment outcomes for young adults with ASD. The SDCDM promotes self-determination and employment through the use of a problem solving intervention. It also embeds effective support strategies, including collaboration with families or other caregivers; communication and social skill development, technology supports, and job adaptation into the process of setting and going after career development and employment goals. This proposal addresses AOTFs Intervention Research Grant objectives by (1) cultivating an interdisciplinary research team through mentorship from leading experts in special education and intellectual disability research; (2) partnering with communities to recruit participants and consult on the implementation of the intervention; and (3) targeting an important transition for individuals with ASD and their families the transition from school to adulthood.

Autism Autism Spectrum Disorders Self-Determination Adults Community

Performing Research or Evaluation

Employment-Related Activities, Quality of Life

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Racial or Ethnic Minorities

National

N/A