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JobTIPS: A Transition to Employment Program for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an internet accessed training program that included Theory of Mind-based guidance, video models, visual supports, and virtual reality practice sessions in teaching appropriate job interview skills to individuals with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders. In a randomized study, twenty-two youth, ages 16–19, were evaluated during two employment interviews. Half received a training intervention following the initial interview and the half who served as a contrast group did not. Their performance pre and post intervention was assessed by four independent raters using a scale that included evaluation of both Content and Delivery. Results suggest that youth who completed the JobTIPS employment program demonstrated significantly more effective verbal content skills than those who did not.

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Acknowledgments

Research was supported by NIH/NIMH Grant # RC1MH088812 JobTIPS: An Employment Preparation Program for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Dr. Strickland. We want to thank the following for their help in carrying out this research: Sharron Paige, Elles Taddeo, Montse Santacana, Charmaine Mohipp, Christopher Foster and Sandra McEwen.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Virtual Reality Aids/Do2Learn, 3204 Churchill Road, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA

    Dorothy C. Strickland

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Claire D. Coles

  3. Department of Pediatrics, Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Claire D. Coles

  4. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA

    Louise B. Southern

Authors
  1. Dorothy C. Strickland
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  2. Claire D. Coles
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  3. Louise B. Southern
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Correspondence to Dorothy C. Strickland.

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Strickland, D.C., Coles, C.D. & Southern, L.B. JobTIPS: A Transition to Employment Program for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 43, 2472–2483 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1800-4

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