Autism Therapy: retention

With on-the-job support, adults with autism can do well at vocational rehabilitation service jobs.

This study looked at job success for adults (18-65 years old) who worked in the U.S. Vocational Rehabilitation Service. There were 382,221 adults in this program in 2005, and 1,707 of them were diagnosed with autism. The adults with autism were given the most expensive support services while working. Intervention included job coaching, follow-up, and job retention services. At the end of their program, 42% of adults with autism were employed in a competitive job, 2% were working in a sheltered setting, and 56% were not employed. Adults with autism had higher success rates than adults with other disabilities. The success of employment was higher with more on-the-job support.