Document Type

Paper

Publication Date

Spring 4-23-2025

Faculty Mentor

Michelle Woodbury

Abstract

Youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who graduate from high school face higher rates of unemployment, lower wages than their neurotypical peers, and lower levels of self-determination, which is crucial for autonomy and positive adult outcomes. Early exposure to work experiences, whether paid or voluntary, has been identified as a key predictor of post-school success. However, there is a significant gap in services when students graduate from high school, and parents often lack the preparation to navigate transition-related resources related to their child’s employment, transportation and independent living.

To address these challenges, this project provided early exposure to work experiences, implemented a self-determination curriculum, created a transition resource guide for parents of students aged 14-16, and conducted a scoping review. Following the completion of the curriculum outcomes were completed in three domains: self-determination, early exposure to work experiences, and success of providing transition related resources. Self-determination skills outcomes were measured by improvements in writing SMART goals, knowledge change, and tracking goals. Early exposure to work outcomes included improvements in three subscales of the VocFit assessment, and two subscales of the Arc’s Self-Determination Scale. The transition resource guide was found to be helpful and beneficial for parents. The scoping review details whether improvements in self-determination increased employment outcomes for young adults on the autism spectrum.

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