Looking at Cape Henlopen School District as a whole, most students within the district are proficient in reading. When looking at data for young adults (18-22) with autism and other severe disabilities in the Sussex Consortium Life Skills Program, students were not proficient in reading. They could not read functional words within context. This study began by looking at data from students in the Life Skills Program's practical reading level when students could not read the words of an employment application. This study moved to find a combination of reading methods that would increase their functional reading level within the context of students. This study aimed to examine the deficits in available reading levels within the context of students who could not read applicable words. A multi-tiered research-based method was implemented using specific and measurable interventions to increase the student's reading ability. The data analysis from pre- and post-implementation of this study supports that a combined process of reading instruction and vocational training should be utilized to teach reading to adults with autism and other severe disabilities. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]