Autism Therapy: vocational rehabilitation

definition of vocational rehabilitation: Teaching skills that are useful for working at a job.

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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.


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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


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


Grocery Store Operated by Differently Abled Celebrates One Year Anniversary in India

Sep 6, 2010

Swabodhini, a school for children with autism and other developmental and physical disabilities, recently celebrated the first anniversary of its grocery store, Swayam, run by the students. The school started with two rooms in 1989, in India, and now is a two-story, multi-function therapy center. Swabodhini's mission is to "cater to those with autism, cognitive disability, attention deficit disorder, Down's syndrome and children with delayed development, all aged between three and 25." Treatment begins with an individual education program (IEP) for each student and includes therapies such as occupational therapy, behavior management, yoga, computer training, and experiential learning. Once students reach the age of 15, they receive vocational training as well. As part of the training, Swayam was started, and along with groceries, sells stationery and copying services.

Read original article: Celebrating Agency


Illinois High School Offers Assisted Learning Vocational Program for Young Adults with Autism

Nov 9, 2009

Belleville Township High School District 201 in Southern Illinois provides a vocational training program for young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Students learn social skills, communication, and job skills while being paid to do valuable work. The Assisted Learning Vocational Program has placed students with 17 employers - the goal is that after training, these students will be placed in full time positions. Christine Gooding, the vocational coordinator, works with community businesses to place people in jobs where they are most comfortable. For example, an animal clinic hired a student after her year of vocational training, because she works well with animals and has connected with fellow employees. "We have students who have the ability to work in a competitive environment," Gooding said. "They just need a little extra coaching and training."

Read original article.


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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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