Autism Therapy: vocational

definition of vocational: not yet defined.

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Use of Vocational Rehabilitative Services Among Adults with Autism
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, by Lawer, L., Brusilovskiy E., Salzer MS, and Mandell DS, published in 2009, summarized Jun 9, 2009

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.


The Costs of Services and Employment Outcomes Achieved by Adults with Autism in the US
Autism, by Cimera, RE, and Cowan RJ, published in 2009, summarized Apr 28, 2009

While adults with autism may hold jobs, they tend to work fewer hours and earn less in wages than people with other disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to explore both the costs of services received by adults with autism and the outcomes that these adults achieve as a result of the services/costs. The study found that the number of adults with autism increased every year of the study (2002-2006). The costs of services acquired by adults with autism were higher than most other people served by vocational rehabilitation. The cost of serving people with autism seems to have decreased with time, despite the increase in people with autism (2002-2006). Outcomes for adults with autism were mixed.


High School Graduation – and Then What?
Exceptional Parent Magazine, by Tamol, S., published in 2007, summarized Feb 19, 2008

This article describes the best way for parents to plan for the post-high school life of a child with autism. The author makes several suggestions. 1) Ask the child's school about a career assessment. 2) Look into the high school's job programs. 3) Look for places where your child can volunteer. 4) Learn about your state's services for people with disabilities. 5) Make sure that your child's high school works with Vocational Rehabilitation. 6) Work with the job placement agency that is working for your child. 7) Do not expect the perfect job.


Two-Year Evaluation of a Vocational Support Program for Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, by Hillier, A., Campbell H., Mastriani K., Izzo MV, Kool-Tucker AK, Cherry L., and Beversdorf DQ, published in 2007, summarized Dec 24, 2007

Individuals with autism can be good at entry-level jobs.

This study looked to see whether a two-year job support program was able to help adults with autism. They found that the job support program increased employment rates and income for people with autism. The employers gave the workers with autism high scores for many job skills. The workers with autism said that they were happy with their jobs and agreed that their jobs were useful. The authors note that more time should be spent helping workers with autism to befriend co-workers.


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Nigerian Woman Determined to Bring Early Intervention to Her Country’s Kids

Jan 25, 2012

Dotun Akande, the founder of Patrick Speech and Languages Center in Lagos, believes that early intervention is the best chance for children with autism in her country. Akande, mom of a child with autism, works to reach out and educate as many families as possible. She explains, “Parents too should know that having a child that has this challenge is not the end of the world. Early intervention is the key; so, all you need do is to help that child come out of that problem.” Patrick Speech offers interventions that include speech and language therapy, behavioral modification therapy, OT, social skills training, vocational training, academics, music therapy, hydrotherapy, and sensory integration.

Read original article: Early Intervention is the Key to Managing Autism Well


Young Adults with Autism Learn Farming Skills

Oct 14, 2011

Farming Independence is an organization designed to help young adults with autism who didn’t have the advantage of early intervention. Sheila Zamel Mayfield created the program after she saw how the program Best Buddies helped with social interaction, communication, and self-esteem. Farming Independence teaches vocational and life skills using gardening, animal husbandry, and culinary programs. Steve Hansen, a member of the organization’s advisory board says, “We know the autistic population is underemployed and unemployed, but they don't have to be. They need to be asked, ‘What do you want to do?' And then we'll help them find a way to make that into a money-making job.”

Read original article: New Autism Non-Profit Fills Void for Young Adults


Private Schools in Dubai Begin to Allow Children with Autism to Mainstream

Sep 14, 2011

It is only recently that private schools in Dubai have allowed children with autism to mainstream. For the most part, the private schools don’t have facilities or training to work with kids with special needs. Stepping Stones, an international organization, is working with Dubai schools to increase inclusion. Students, who need it, will receive assistance from an aide, an individualized education program (IEP), and depending on the child’s age receive more academics or more social/life/vocational training. Most students will have special classes during the day, but will be integrated into extra-curricular activities and other classroom situations.

Read original article: Increase in Private School Acceptance of Special Needs Children


Can Your Young Adult with Autism Go To College?

Aug 11, 2011

This article tackles the issue of a young adult with autism attending college. Dr. Roel and Katrina Laygo’s son was diagnosed with autism just before he turned three. With a total of five kids, the Laygo’s did all they could to help Nathan, but they felt that speech and occupational therapies weren’t enough. Nathan is now involved in ABA, therapeutic horseback riding, music, social skills, and on a gluten-free/casein-free diet. Knowing how much this has cost them, the Laygo’s have established Nathan’s Something Special Scholarship Fund, which awards a scholarship each year to a child with autism or cerebral palsy to attend a year of college or vocational school. Katrina Laygo has also started a lifestyle publication, Something Special Magazine to help other parents of kids with special needs.

Read original article: How to Help Children with Autism Attend College


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College Living for Students with Learning Disabilities, Executive functioning Deficits, Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Autism, Aspergers, and PDD-NOS)

Sep 30, 2010 by Anonymous

College Living for Students with Learning Disabilities, Executive functioning Deficits, Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Autism, Aspergers, and PDD-NOS)

For students with special needs, life after high school is full of possibilities, including college.

Finding the right college program for students with autism spectrum disorders, Asperger’s, nonverbal learning disorder, ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities is vital for a college student’s transition into independent adulthood. The right program should provide support for each student’s unique needs and goals.

With the help of New Directions, young adults with learning disabilities are experiencing independence for the first time in their lives. Some of our clients pursue collegiate endeavors and some pursue vocational training/tracks. New Directions helps students attend universities, community colleges, and technical and vocational schools.

For more information, go to http://www.newdirectionsfya.com/ or call 954-571-5102 to contact Dr. Drew Rubin, Ph.D.


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