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- Title
Caregiver perceptions and experiences surrounding employment of their adult‐aged children on the autism spectrum.
- Authors
Wilson, Kaitlyn P.; Marsack‐Topolewski, Christina; Smith, Dionne; Knollman, Gregory
- Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore and describe the experiences and perspectives of familial caregivers as active participants in the employment processes of their adult‐aged children on the autism spectrum. Background: Many adults on the autism spectrum experience barriers to meaningful and lasting employment. Caregivers are often highly involved in their adult children's employment process; however, caregiver experiences are largely absent from the literature on employment for adults on the autism spectrum. Method: This study used semistructured interviews to examine 51 caregivers' experiences and perceptions related to their adult children's employment process. Themes were derived using a phenomenological approach. Results: Broad themes that emerged were (a) motivation for employment and independence, (b) variability of job training experiences, and (c) negative experiences surrounding employment. Additional subthemes are identified with representative quotations. Conclusion: Findings suggest that caregivers play a key role in the employment process for many adults on the autism spectrum and that their experiences include positive feelings of support and motivation, as well as negative perceptions and interactions. Implications: Understanding caregivers' experiences offers practitioners and policymakers insight into the needs of the families of individuals on the autism spectrum through a family system perspective. The results of this study have implications for policy and practice related to transition‐ and employment‐related training and supports.
- Subjects
ADULT children; AUTISM spectrum disorders; EMPLOYMENT of people with disabilities; PARENTS of children with disabilities; PARENT attitudes; MOTIVATION (Psychology)
- Publication
Family Relations, 2024, Vol 73, Issue 2, p826
- ISSN
0197-6664
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/fare.12932