Importance of Social Programming for Employment Success for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Major
Recreation and Parks Administration
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Jon McChesney
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Recommended Citation
Newsome, Taylor L., "Importance of Social Programming for Employment Success for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2015). University Presentation Showcase Event. 17.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2015/graduate/17
Abstract
Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that currently affects 1% of the world’s population. Approximately one in every 68 children in the United States have been diagnosed with ASD. This projection estimates an increase of 119.4% in ASD prevalence from 2000, which makes ASD the fastest growing developmental disability (Baio 2014). The United States spends approximately $175-196 billion dollars annually to provide adult services for individuals with ASD (Buescher 2014). The prevalence of children with ASD results in an increase of future adults with ASD. Currently it is estimated that 35% of young adults with ASD (19-23) have been unemployed since leaving high school. Some studies estimate that the unemployment rate for all adults with Autism is as high as 85%. Social, communication, and behavioral characteristics unique to individuals with ASD can cause challenges with employment (Shattuck et al. 2012). However, these challenges can be overcome and individuals with ASD can have successful careers. Social programming for adults with ASD can teach appropriate workplace behavior and useful vocational skills. This research examined the challenges adults with ASD face in finding employment and how the benefits of social programming can improve social and vocational skills.
Presentation format
Poster
Poster Number
29
Importance of Social Programming for Employment Success for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that currently affects 1% of the world’s population. Approximately one in every 68 children in the United States have been diagnosed with ASD. This projection estimates an increase of 119.4% in ASD prevalence from 2000, which makes ASD the fastest growing developmental disability (Baio 2014). The United States spends approximately $175-196 billion dollars annually to provide adult services for individuals with ASD (Buescher 2014). The prevalence of children with ASD results in an increase of future adults with ASD. Currently it is estimated that 35% of young adults with ASD (19-23) have been unemployed since leaving high school. Some studies estimate that the unemployment rate for all adults with Autism is as high as 85%. Social, communication, and behavioral characteristics unique to individuals with ASD can cause challenges with employment (Shattuck et al. 2012). However, these challenges can be overcome and individuals with ASD can have successful careers. Social programming for adults with ASD can teach appropriate workplace behavior and useful vocational skills. This research examined the challenges adults with ASD face in finding employment and how the benefits of social programming can improve social and vocational skills.
