The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

As adults with autism and their families attempt to navigate state systems for employment without entitlements, services are limited and typically generic in nature. This workshop will identify three levels of employment services that meet the varying needs of adults with autism across the spectrum. Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to the varying degree of impact in the areas of cognitive and behavioral functioning of individuals with autism. When considering services for adults with autism, effective employment training must address the needs of individuals across the spectrum. Adult services must encompass the full spectrum of needs. Supported employment was initially designed to give opportunities to those most severely disabled. Studies have shown that individuals benefiting most from employment services are those who are moderate to high functioning.

Unlike children who are guaranteed services under the IDEA guidelines, a free and appropriate education, developmentally disabled adults are not guaranteed any federal entitlements for services after the age of 21. These individuals are left to navigate state systems in a climate of limited services and resources. Funding for adult programming is limited and accessing appropriate services for adults with autism can be taxing. Parents are faced with the problem of finding services that offer more than generic adult day care. Studies indicate that adults with autism continue to learn and succeed in specialized community based employment programs. As the trend towards community based programming and person centered planning continues, service providers must become more aware of the need to provide a wide range of flexible and appropriate employment opportunities.

This workshop will identify three different levels of employment services and the specific characteristics of each employment option. The three employment levels being addressed are; Center Based Employment – which provides secured employment opportunities as well as vocational skill training for future community based employment, Supported Employment which places adults in a community based job with on site training and supervision, and Competitive Employment which provides individuals with the opportunity to be fully employed in the community with minimal supports. These employment options range from center based employment to competitive community based employment. This presentation will review employment skills assessment of individuals with autism, the development of employment training plans, and how best to match the skills of each individual to an employment option. This presentation will also address the need for continued assessment of each individual's employment skills and guidelines for transitioning from one employment level to another. Key issues of integration into the work environment, skill development, task analysis, job development and marketing will also be discussed.

This presentation will also address how a service provider can be most effective when approaching services with a business mindset rather than a human services mindset. Providers must develop a “How can we meet your needs” philosophy towards businesses by effectively assessing local economy and commerce. Effective strategies for building relationships and networking will be presented. Finally, tools for marketing the unique characteristics of adults with autism in the marketplace will be presented.

Content Area: Transition Planning and Options for Adulthood