Skip to main content

Advertisement

Springer Nature Link
Log in

Vocational Rehabilitation Service Utilization and Employment Outcomes Among Secondary Students on the Autism Spectrum

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

U.S. policy interventions encourage earlier provision of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services to support students and youth with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the transition from school to work. We analyzed Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA-911) data using multivariable logistic regression to determine the association of VR services receipt with employment outcomes for students ages 16–21, same-age non-student youth and young adults with ASD. Students with autism received job-related services (job search, job placement, and on-the-job supports) at rates significantly below comparison groups, even though odds of successful employment at VR exit were significantly higher if they received these services. Findings suggest that rates of employment among students with autism might be improved with intentional delivery of job-related services.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
€32.70 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price includes VAT (Finland)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alverson, C. Y., & Yamamoto, S. H. (2017). Employment outcomes of vocational rehabilitation clients with autism spectrum disorders. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 40(3), 144–155.

    Google Scholar 

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V). Arlington: American Psychiatric Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Butterworth, J., Migliore, A., & Timmons, J. (2010). Services and outcomes for transition age young adults with autism spectrum disorders: Secondary analysis of the NLTS2 and RSA 911. Boston, MA: Institute for Community Inclusion.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter, E. W., Austin, D., & Trainor, A. A. (2012). Predictors of postschool employment outcomes for young adults with severe disabilities. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 23(1), 50–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, J. L., Sung, C., & Pi, S. (2015). Vocational rehabilitation service patterns and outcomes for individuals with autism of different ages. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(9), 3015–3029.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Croen, L. A., Zerbo, O., Qian, Y., Massolo, M. L., Rich, S., Sidney, S., et al. (2015). The health status of adults on the autism spectrum. Autism, 19(7), 814–823.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ditchman, N. M., Miller, J. L., & Easton, A. B. (2018). Vocational rehabilitation service patterns: An application of social network analysis to examine employment outcomes of transition-age individuals with autism. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 61(3), 143–153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fraker, T. M., Cobb, J., Hemmeter, J., Luecking, R. G., & Mamun, A. (2018). Three-year effects of the youth transition demonstration projects. Social Security Bulletin, 78, 19–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gore, S., Aseltine, R. H., & Schilling, E. A. (2007). Transition to adulthood, mental health, and inequality. In W. R. Avison, J. D. McLeod, & B. A. Pescosolido (Eds.), Mental Health, Social Mirror (pp. 219–237). Boston, MA: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hendricks, D. (2010). Employment and adults with autism spectrum disorders: Challenges and strategies for success. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 32(2), 125–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hogan, D. P., & Astone, N. M. (1986). The transition to adulthood. Annual Review of Sociology, 12(1), 109–130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Honeycutt, T., Martin, F., & Wittenburg, D. (2017). Transitions and vocational rehabilitation success: Tracking outcomes for different types of youth. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 46(2), 137–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hurlbutt, K., & Chalmers, L. (2004). Employment and adults with Asperger syndrome. Focus on autism and other developmental disabilities, 19(4), 215–222.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaya, C., Chan, F., Rumrill, P., Hartman, E., Wehman, P., Iwanaga, K., et al. (2016). Vocational rehabilitation services and competitive employment for transition-age youth with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 45(1), 73–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaya, C., Hanley-Maxwell, C., Chan, F., & Tansey, T. (2018). Differential vocational rehabilitation service patterns and outcomes for transition-age youth with autism. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 31(5), 862–872.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krahn, H. J., Howard, A. L., & Galambos, N. L. (2015). Exploring or floundering? The meaning of employment and educational fluctuations in emerging adulthood. Youth & Society, 47(2), 245–266.

  • Kraemer, B. R., Odom, S. L., Tomaszewski, B., Hall, L. J., Dawalt, L., Hume, K. A., et al. (2019). Quality of high school programs for students with autism spectrum disorder. Autism. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361319887280.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Langi, F. F. G., Oberoi, A., Balcazar, F. E., & Awsumb, J. (2017). Vocational rehabilitation of transition-age youth with disabilities: A propensity-score matched study. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 27(1), 15–23.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lawer, L., Brusilovskiy, E., Salzer, M. S., & Mandell, D. S. (2009). Use of vocational rehabilitative services among adults with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(3), 487–494.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, E. A. L., Black, M. H., Tan, T., Falkmer, T., & Girdler, S. (2019). “I’m destined to ace this”: Work experience placement during high school for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(8), 3089–3101.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Levinson, D. J. (1986). A conception of adult development. American Psychologist, 41(1), 3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luecking, R. G., & Fabian, E. S. (2000). Paid internships and employment success for youth in transition. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 23(2), 205–221.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luecking, R. G., Fabian, E. S., Contreary, K., Honeycutt, T. C., & Luecking, D. M. (2017). Vocational Rehabilitation Outcomes for Students Participating in a Model Transition Program. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 61(3), 154–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mann, D. R., & Croake, S. (2018). Learning from state vocational rehabilitation agencies on the eve of WIOA: State differences in service receipt and employment outcomes by applicant employment status. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 48(3), 369–386.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazzotti, V. L., Rowe, D. A., Sinclair, J., Poppen, M., Woods, W. E., & Shearer, M. L. (2016). Predictors of post-school success: A systematic review of NLTS2 secondary analyses. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 39(4), 196–215.

    Google Scholar 

  • Migliore, A., Butterworth, J., & Zalewska, A. (2014). Trends in vocational rehabilitation services and outcomes of youth with autism: 2006–2010. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 57(2), 80–89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Migliore, A., Timmons, J., Butterworth, J., & Lugas, J. (2012). Predictors of employment and postsecondary education of youth with autism. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 55(3), 176–184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Müller, E., Schuler, A., Burton, B. A., & Yates, G. B. (2003). Meeting the vocational support needs of individuals with Asperger syndrome and other autism spectrum disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 18(3), 163–175.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicholas, D. B., Zwaigenbaum, L., Zwicker, J., Clarke, M. E., Lamsal, R., Stoddart, K. P., et al. (2017). Evaluation of employment-support services for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 22(6), 693–702.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nye-Lengerman, K. (2017). Vocational rehabilitation service usage and outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 41, 39–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. (May). Collaboration Opportunities: WIOA Youth and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/transition/index.html

  • Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. (May 2017). A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/transition/products/postsecondary-transition-guide-2017.pdf

  • Rehabilitation Services Administration. (October 25. (2013). Revision of PD-13-05 Vocational Rehabilitation Program Case Service Report (RSA-911) Data Elements (RSA-PD-14-101). Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services: U.S.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rehabilitation Services Administration. (2018). Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Supported Employment Services Programs: Federal FY 2018 Monitoring and Technical Assistance Guide. Review of Programmatic Data for the Provision of Transition Services. U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Retrieved from www.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/rehab/107-reports/2018/monitoring-and-technical-assistance-guide.pdf

  • Roux, A. M., Anderson, K. A., Rast, J. E., Nord, D., & Shattuck, P. T. (2018a). Vocational rehabilitation experiences of transition-age youth with autism spectrum disorder across states: Prioritizing modifiable factors for research. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 49(3), 309–325.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roux, A. M., Garfield, T., & Shattuck, P. T. (2019). Employment policy and autism: Analysis of state Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) implementation plans. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 51(3), 285–298.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roux, A. M., Rast, J. E., Anderson, K. A., & Shattuck, P. T. (2016) 'National autism indicators report: vocational rehabilitation'. Philadelphia, PA: Life Course Outcomes Research Program, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University. Available at: www.drexel.edu/autismoutcomes/publications-and-reports/nat-autism-indicators-report/

  • Roux, A. M., Rast, J. E., Garfield, T., Anderson, K. A., & Shattuck, P. T. (In press). Prevalence and correlates of work experiences among high school students on the autism spectrum. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

  • Roux, A. M., Rast, J. E., & Shattuck, P. T. (2018b). State-level variation in vocational rehabilitation service use and related outcomes among transition-age youth on the autism spectrum. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3793-5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rusch, F. R., Hughes, C., Agran, M., Martin, J. E., & Johnson, J. R. (2009). Toward self-directed learning, post-high school placement, and coordinated support constructing new transition bridges to adult life. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 32(1), 53–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rutter, M. (1989). Pathways from childhood to adult life. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 30(1), 23–51.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schaller, J., & Yang, N. K. (2005). Competitive employment for people with autism correlates of successful closure in competitive and supported employment. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 49(1), 4–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shattuck, P. T., Garfield, T., Roux, A. M., Rast, J. E., Anderson, K., Hassrick, E. M., et al. (2020). Services for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systems Perspective. Current Psychiatry Reports, 22(3), 13.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Shattuck, P. T., Rast, J. E., Roux, A. M., Anderson, K. A., Benevides, T., Garfield, T., Kuo, A. (2018). National Autism Indicators Report: High School Students on the Autism Spectrum. Philadelphia, PA: Life Course Outcomes Research Program, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University. Available at www.drexel.edu/autismoutcomes/publications-and-reports/publications/National-Autism-Indicators-Report-High-School-Students-on-the-Autism-Spectrum/

  • Shattuck, P. T., Seltzer, M. M., Greenberg, J. S., Orsmond, G. I., Bolt, D., Kring, S., et al. (2007). Change in autism symptoms and maladaptive behaviors in adolescents and adults with an autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(9), 1735–1747.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shattuck, P. T., Wagner, M., Narendorf, S., Sterzing, P., & Hensley, M. (2011). Post-high school service use among young adults with an autism spectrum disorder. Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 165(2), 141–146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sosnowy, C., Silverman, C., & Shattuck, P. (2018). Parents’ and young adults’ perspectives on transition outcomes for young adults with autism. Autism, 22(1), 29–39.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Strandh, M., Winefield, A., Nilsson, K., & Hammarström, A. (2014). Unemployment and mental health scarring during the life course. The European Journal of Public Health, 24(3), 440–445.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, J. L., & DaWalt, L. S. (2017). Brief report: postsecondary work and educational disruptions for youth on the autism spectrum. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(12), 4025–4031.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, J. L., & Henninger, N. A. (2015). Frequency and correlates of service access among youth with autism transitioning to adulthood. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(1), 179–191.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, J. L., McPheeters, M. L., Sathe, N. A., Dove, D., Veenstra-VanderWeele, J., & Warren, Z. (2012). A systematic review of vocational interventions for young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics, peds. 2012–0682.

  • Test, D. W., Mazzotti, V. L., Mustian, A. L., Fowler, C. H., Kortering, L., & Kohler, P. (2009). Evidence-based secondary transition predictors for improving postschool outcomes for students with disabilities. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 32(3), 160–181.

    Google Scholar 

  • Test, D. W., Smith, L. E., & Carter, E. W. (2014). Equipping youth with autism spectrum disorders for adulthood: Promoting rigor, relevance, and relationships. Remedial and Special Education, 35(2), 80–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trainor, A. A., Carter, E. W., Karpur, A., Martin, J. E., Mazzotti, V. L., Morningstar, M. E., et al. (2019). A Framework for Research in Transition: Identifying Important Areas and Intersections for Future Study Advance online publication. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165143419864551.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Department of Education. (2016). State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program; State Supported Employment Services Program; Limitations on Use of Subminimum Wage (81 FR 55629). Retrieved from https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/08/19/2016-15980/state-vocational-rehabilitation-services-program-state-supported-employment-services-program

  • U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2017). Youth with autism: Federal agencies should take additional action to support transition-age youth. (GAO-17–352). Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-352

  • U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2016). Youth with autism: Roundtable views of services needed during the transition into adulthood. (GAO-17–109). Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-109

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019). Employment and Unemployment Among Youth Summary [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/news.release/youth.nr0.htm

  • Wehman, P., Brooke, V., Brooke, A. M., Ham, W., Schall, C., McDonough, J., et al. (2016). Employment for adults with autism spectrum disorders: A retrospective review of a customized employment approach. Research in developmental disabilities, 53, 61–72.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wehman, P., Sima, A. P., Ketchum, J., West, M. D., Chan, F., & Luecking, R. (2015). Predictors of successful transition from school to employment for youth with disabilities. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 25(2), 323–334.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wehman, P., Schall, C., McDonough, J., Sima, A., Brooke, A., Ham, W., et al. (2019). Competitive employment for transition-aged youth with significant impact from autism: A multi-site randomized clinical trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-03940-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This project was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under UJ2MC31073: Maternal and Child Health-Autism Transitions Research Project. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States

    Anne M. Roux, Jessica E. Rast, Kristy A. Anderson, Tamara Garfield & Paul T. Shattuck

Authors
  1. Anne M. Roux
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jessica E. Rast
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kristy A. Anderson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Tamara Garfield
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Paul T. Shattuck
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

AR, JR. and KA contributed to the conceptualization of the study and initial drafting of the manuscript. JE completed the data analysis and table preparation. AR, JR, KA, TG and PS reviewed the final manuscript, and AR completed revision and publication preparation. All authors approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anne M. Roux.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

Ms. Roux, Ms. Rast, Ms. Anderson, Ms. Garfield and Dr. Shattuck each declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Ethical Approval

This study was deemed exempt by the Drexel University Institutional Review Board.

Informed Consent

Not applicable. No data was collected, as this study was a secondary analysis.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Roux, A.M., Rast, J.E., Anderson, K.A. et al. Vocational Rehabilitation Service Utilization and Employment Outcomes Among Secondary Students on the Autism Spectrum. J Autism Dev Disord 51, 212–226 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04533-0

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04533-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation