Exploring the employment experiences of adults with autism

Cochrane, Kerrie (2017) Exploring the employment experiences of adults with autism. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

There is room for increased exploration into the needs of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), specifically in the area of employment. This study explored the employment experiences of adults with ASD as perceived by both parents of adult children with ASD and adults with ASD. The qualitative data gained in this study highlighted a number of themes derived from interviews with parents of adult children with ASD and adults with ASD, themes including ‘Communication’, ‘Economic Considerations’, ‘Education’, ‘Consistency’, and ‘Barriers.’ These themes highlighted common issues experienced by parents of adult children with ASD and adults with ASD in Newfoundland and Labrador. Adults with ASD made many positive comments about their current employment situations and personal support systems. On the other hand most participants expressed dissatisfaction with autism related training programs, the education level and skill set of support workers and employers specifically tasked with providing employment support to adults with ASD, and the amount of funding available for quality programs. Further research should explore employers and support workers perspectives on this topic as well as transition programs to better inform ways to support individuals with autism in the workforce.

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