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- Title
Postsecondary Education and Employment for Youth With Autism: Preliminary Results From a Customized Transition Program.
- Authors
Smith, Tammy Jorgensen; Berkman, Karen; Richmond, Susan; Fitzpatrick, Megan; Dillahunt-Aspillaga, Christina J.
- Abstract
Background/Purpose: Autism spectrum disorders encompass a group of neurodevelopmental disorders whose defining features include deficits in social communication across multiple contexts (American Psychological Association, 2011). The prevalence of autism has been increasing at an alarming rate stemming from changes in diagnostic criteria, genetic risk factors, and growing awareness of the condition. Objective: This primary objective of this article is to provide an overview of a customized transition program, The Learning Academy (TLA), for students with autism. Method: Pretest/posttest survey tool. Findings: Fifty-eight percent (n =15) of respondents reported employment after attending TLA. Of these individuals, 80% (n =12) report they are currently working. Data from a prior survey year captured information from a larger percentage of TLA graduates (85% response rate; n =51) with a total of 63% (n =32) reporting that they had obtained competitive or self-employment. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence indicates that the TLA program is effective in improving postsecondary education and employment rates in graduates. Implications for rehabilitation counseling research, policy, and education are presented.
- Subjects
STUDENT assistance programs; EDUCATION of people with intellectual disabilities; CURRICULUM; EMPLOYMENT; MENTORING; VOCATIONAL rehabilitation; PRE-tests &; post-tests; TRANSITIONAL programs (Education); REHABILITATION of autistic people; EVALUATION of human services programs; ADOLESCENCE; EVALUATION
- Publication
Rehabilitation Research, Policy & Education, 2019, Vol 33, Issue 1, p65
- ISSN
2168-6653
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1891/2168-6653.33.1.65