Vocational Skills Interventions for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

With a disproportionately high unemployment rate, obtaining and maintaining employment is exceptionally difficult for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Further, few individuals with ASD have been trained in the vocational skills needed to obtain gainful employment. The need to evaluate not only our current knowledge about the employment needs of individuals with ASD, but also to inquire about interventions, strategies, and supports in the workplace is pressing. The harsh reality of high unemployment rates for adults with ASD, and the consequently high cost of services, can be aided by examining the best practices for supporting employment. This review of the literature focuses on vocational training interventions targeted specifically to adolescents and adults with ASD. Twenty studies evaluating pre-employment, specific vocational skill training, and job retention interventions are discussed, trends in intervention characteristics are highlighted, and recommendations for future research are suggested.