Postsecondary Education and Employment Among Youth With an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Previous research has identified low rates of employment and postsecondary education for youth with autism, but generalizability has been limited by small samples. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS:Using national data, the authors of this study found that youth with autism are at high risk for no postsecondary education or employment, especially in the first 2 years after high school. Findings highlight the need for improved transition planning. abstract OBJECTIVES: We examined the prevalence and correlates of postsecondary education and employment among youth with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).METHODS: Data were from a nationally representative survey of parents, guardians, and young adults with an ASD. Participation in postsecondary employment, college, or vocational education and lack of participation in any of these activities were examined. Rates were compared with those of youth in 3 other eligibility categories: speech/ language impairment, learning disability, and mental retardation. Logistic regression was used to examine correlates of each outcome. RESULTS:For youth with an ASD, 34.7% had attended college and 55.1% had held paid employment during the first 6 years after high school. More than 50% of youth who had left high school in the past 2 years had no participation in employment or education. Youth with an ASD had the lowest rates of participation in employment and the highest rates of no participation compared with youth in other disability categories. Higher income and higher functional ability were associated with higher adjusted odds of participation in postsecondary employment and education. CONCLUSIONS:Youth with an ASD have poor postsecondary employment and education outcomes, especially in the first 2 years after high school. Those from lower-income families and those with greater functional impairments are at heightened risk for poor outcomes. Further research is needed to understand how transition planning before high school exit can facilitate a better connection to productive postsecondary activities.

Higher Education Experiences of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges, Benefits and Support Needs

“…Compared to other disability categories, students with ASD have decreased graduation and employment rates (Sanford et al, 2011;Shattuck et al, 2012;Taylor & Seltzer, 2011) and they are more likely to develop psychopathological disorders (Friedman, Warfield, & Parish, 2013;Pinder-Amaker, 2014;Shattuck et al, 2012). The core features and the psychiatric risks of ASD, coupled with new stresses and demands of higher education (e.g., increasing independence, international mobility, living in residence) pose significant challenges to students with ASD (Kapp et al, 2011;Pinder-Amaker, 2014).…”

A Systematic Review of Vocational Interventions for Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…15 Furthermore, a study using the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 found that youth with ASD were at increased risk for no employment or educational activities in the first 2 years after exiting high school. 16 Upon high school exit, these individuals lose all mandated special education services, and they enter a world of adult services that is plagued by long waiting lists and which is unprepared to meet their unique needs. 15,17,18 To date, the specific programs and interventions that underlie more positive functional, adaptive, social, and employment outcomes for individuals with ASD during the transition to adulthood and beyond are poorly understood.…”

Case Challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of the Pediatrician

“…Many pediatricians may also find themselves offering advice to families on transition planning into adulthood, as a recent study shows only 34.7% youth with Guest Editorial ASD will attend college and only about 55% will have paid employment in the first 6 years after high school, the lowest rates of youths in any disability categories. 10 Pediatricians who treat patients with ASD in the outpatient setting will confront comorbid medical and mental conditions. ADHD, mood disorders, and anxiety are described in the population, and the overall rate of comorbid psychiatric conditions has been estimated to be as high as 74%.…”