Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
4-24-2025
Faculty Mentor
Nancy Carson
Abstract
The number of students with autism spectrum disorder entering college has been steadily increasing. When these graduates enter the workforce, the support and accommodations available throughout their education may not necessarily be readily available in their new workplace. This quality improvement project aimed to increase the resources of a college program whose purpose is to support autistic and neurodivergent students throughout their college career. The project aims were to create an interactive job readiness and independent living workbook to assist and provide resources for students during their transition into the workforce. The senior cohort completed seventeen fillable workbook pages with various topics to help prepare and equip them for job searching, interviewing, and living independently. After completion of the workbook, all eight seniors completed a post-survey regarding effectiveness of the workbook. On a scale of 1 to 5, all seniors reported a 4 or higher in terms of helpfulness of the workbook. 7 out of 8 seniors reported that they would likely reference the workbook during their transition out of college. Topics that seniors found most help included budgeting, cost of living, and interview preparation. Outcomes indicate that this senior cohort now have an increased awareness of job readiness and facets of living.
Recommended Citation
Kirkley, Makayla, "Occupational Therapy Guided Interactive Workbook for College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder for Transition into the Workplace" (2025). Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium. 72.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-elotd/72