Predictors of Successful Employment Outcomes for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition increasing in overall prevalence and consequently impacting on the number of adolescents seeking post-school employment. A systematic literature review was conducted on the predictors of successful outcomes for adolescents with ASD post-compulsory education. An extensive search in education, psychology and behavioural sciences yielded 297 articles and eight satisfied all inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed using an established criteria list. Four predictors were identified: supported workplace intervention, ASD traits and behavioural intervention, functional independence intervention, and family advocacy intervention. From the review, it is recommended that future research in this area may benefit from using samples across a variety of populations in order to determine whether similar interventions apply to these samples. Strengths of the findings of this review include consistent outcomes across different study designs in the four identified domains. The recency of the findings makes them relevant for families, education policy and legislation and practitioners.