ERIC Number: EJ1212785
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2168-6653
EISSN: N/A
Postsecondary Education and Employment for Youth with Autism: Preliminary Results from a Customized Transition Program
Smith, Tammy Jorgensen; Berkman, Karen; Richmond, Susan; Fitzpatrick, Megan; Dillahunt-Aspillaga, Christina J.
Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education, v33 n1 p65-75 2019
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.
Descriptors: Postsecondary Education, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Transitional Programs, Supported Employment, Individual Needs, College Readiness, Skill Development, Mentors, Young Adults, Sequential Approach, College Students, Communication Skills, Daily Living Skills, Outcomes of Education, Inclusion, Employment Potential, Experiential Learning, School Community Programs
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Postsecondary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Florida
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A