| Autor: |
Porthukaran, Alex, Yusupov, Iris, Segers, Magali, Konanur, Sheila, Ncube, Busi, Bebko, James |
| Rok vydání: |
2023 |
| Předmět: |
|
| DOI: |
10.5281/zenodo.7606334 |
| Popis: |
Background: The Autism (formerly Asperger) Summer Employment Program (ASEP) was a community-based pilot program designed to provide summer vocational support to autistic university and college students. The ASEP was the initiative of community agencies interested in identifying service gaps for autistic adults during transition periods, such as entering the workforce following post-secondary education. The current study reports on a program evaluation of the ASEP developed by a community agency in Toronto in which two workforce specialists provided ongoing training and support for 17 autistic adults over a four-month summer period. Twelve participants obtained paid employment, three obtained volunteer positions, and two were unsuccessful in obtaining summer placements. Methods: Evaluation of the ASEP was based on responses to a questionnaire by participants and reports from employers. Participants completed questionnaires before and after the program, while employers completed questionnaires at the end of the program. Results: Self-rated autism symptom severity was high and correlated with some self-reported job-related knowledge and skills. Participants reported a significant increase in their job-related knowledge and skills from pre- to post-program. At the conclusion of the program, employers reviewed participant’s job as "good" on average. When asked if participants would be considered for future employment, most employers responded positively, while some had some concerns. Conclusion: Overall, the results suggest that with appropriate support, successful summer vocational experiences are accessible to autistic students. Clinical implications are discussed. |
| Databáze: |
OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
|
