Autism Spectrum and Employment: Meeting the Vocational Needs of Highly Functioning Autistic Individuals
The number of individuals being diagnosed with a disorder on the autism spectrum increases in large numbers every year. This significant increase has led to an activist movement guided by highly functioning autistic individuals. A major goal of these activists is for individuals with autism to lead independent productive lives. Therefore, a review of the current literature, will examine the preparations organizations can make for the growing population of highly functioning autistic individuals who seek vocational support and fulfillment. Studies were taken from various business and psychology databases. Results suggested that organizations implement services such as job matching Vocational Rehabilitations counselors, job on-site coaches, and involve employee support. Two of the programs already implemented are Real Employment Alternatives for Developmentally Disabled Youth (READDY). The other program found was the Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children and Adults (TEACCH). Majority of the implications provided in the data for this study stated that an increase in the literature and evidence based research conducted on highly functioning autistics and employment is needed.
School:
Hampton University
Department:
Psychology
Research Advisor:
Aparna Joshi
Department of Research Advisor:
School of Labor & Employee Relations
Year of Publication:
2008