Vocational rehabilitation of adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder: a review

Abstract

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), face several difficulties entering the workforce; yet when provided with appropriate support programs, can be expected to benefit from vocational rehabilitation and become independent. In this systematic literature review, supported employment programs and interventions related to the training and enhancement of vocational skills in adolescents and young adults with ASD were identified and evaluated. PubMed, ERIC, Science Direct, and Scholar Google databases were systematically searched from 2015 up to March 2021. The review findings suggest that young people with ASD who receive special training in high school and participate in supported employment programs appear to develop social and vocational skills, succeed in appropriate and competitive employment, and have a better quality-of-life (QOL). The review revealed that 16 relevant peer-reviewed studies implemented supported employment programs such as Project Search-ASD (PS-ASD), or a specific curriculum, both of which appear to be effective in teaching work-related, social, and QOL skills. Eight studies conducted a maintenance phase, 10 were conducted in the USA and 12 were federally funded. Future research will require focusing on work-related social skills. More international cross-cultural research is suggested to be conducted. In addition, private companies should be encouraged to fund supported employment programs.