Multi-Disciplinary Approach To Sustainable Employment For Young Adults On The Autism Spectrum

Services that promote independence through a continuum of supports for young adults with an ASD are key for successful community inclusion. This session will introduce Geneva Centre’s Pathways of Extended Learning, which are providing skills for life preparation in the community, postsecondary institutions and the workplace. Using our first culinary pathway, the Monarch Cafe, attendees will be introduced to a multi-disciplinary approach to providing learners with individualized instruction and assessment using curriculum that embeds principles of ABA. The Pathways to Extended Learning  program at Geneva Centre for Autism aims to provide individualized vocational skill training, to enable youth and adults diagnosed with and Autism Spectrum Disorder to secure and retain employment, with the long term goal to empower individuals to fully participate and contribute to their communities.  A combination of on the job and classroom style training in our first culinary and hospitality pathway, the Monarch Cafe, will provide participants with the necessary skills needed to be generalized in various work settings.

Individuals with ASD are characterized by a range of impairments in social interaction, communication, repetitive behaviours and restricted interests (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Due to these impairments, individuals may experience the following difficulties: social boundaries, verbal and nonverbal communication, recognizing emotions in self and others, managing emotions (particularly anxiety) and successfully using executive functioning skills (i.e., planning, prioritizing and organizing tasks).  Knowing that these challenges are pervasive across the lifespan there is an impression that individuals with ASD are not suitable for employment (Hendricks & Wehman, 2009).  On the contrary, research studies, literature reviews and self-reports indicate that not only are individuals with ASD suitable for employment in a variety of job sectors, but with appropriate support, training, education and complimentary matched jobs they can retain employment including competitive employment (Hendricks & Wehman, 2009; Howlin, 2000; Lawer, Brusilovskiy, Salzer & Mandell, 2009; Muller, Schuler, Burton & Yates, 2003). 

Quality of life (QOL) has been a growing issue of importance in the field of autism and developmental disabilities for the past two decades and has been linked to employment for adults with ASD.  The type of employment placement also impacts QOL of this population.  A 5-year follow-up study of 55 adults with ASD examined the benefit of supported employment compared to sheltered employment.  No difference was present in QOL between the two groups at the start of the study.  After the 5 years overall QOL improved for the supported employment group but no improvement was present in the sheltered employment group (Garcia-Villamisar, Wehman & Navarro, 2002).  This rationale is the basis for the Monarch Cafe culinary pathway design and delivery  to be presented.

 This presentation will focus on describing the use of a collaborative, multi-disciplined, person-directed model of service to provide vocation skill training to youth and adults on the Autism Spectrum, using principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis.  The following is a description of the program components and strategies. 

Using an interdisciplinary collaborative model of service, the Monarch Cafe provides youth and adults on the Autism Spectrum support to develop and implement individualized life plans with the ultimate goal to realize an enhanced quality of life.  This program is driven by the individual, and builds from the individuals areas of strength, while supporting their unique learning needs.   The curriculum, which embeds Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA),  provides participants with training in culinary specific, interpersonal and general workplace skills including time management, hygiene and self monitoring. 

Components of the Monarch Cafe pathway include the development of Individualized Service/ Life  Plans, small group instruction (up to 6 participants in a group) , ABA embedded curriculum delivered over  24 weeks, classroom and experiencial  in-Cafe learning opportunities,  attending courses at partnering community colleges, job development assistance, job coaching and follow up for up to 6 months following program completion.

Geneva Centre for Autism has built strong collaborative partnerships for the Pathways to Extended Learning  program, with three post secondary institutions,  (George Brown College, Brock University  and  Humber College) and other not-for profit organizations including JVS Toronto. Each partner is contributing their area of expertise – GCA in utilizing Applied Behaviour Analysis, JVS Toronto for assistance with job placement and development, Humber College with student internships,   Brock University in evaluation and analysis and George Brown College with curriculum development  for achieving MTCU credits, academic advising and support in Safe Food Handling Certification for participants.