|
Year Published |
2013 |
|
Publication |
Research & Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities |
|
Volume |
38 |
|
Number |
2 |
|
Pages |
88-93 |
|
Publisher |
TASH |
|
Background |
One critical outcome typically achieved in adulthood is employment. In response to low rates of employment across disability groups, many in the special education field have advocated that transition from school to work be given greater emphasis in the development of IEPs. |
|
Purpose |
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether receiving transition services early (i.e., by age 14) promoted better vocational outcomes than receiving transition services later (i. e., by age 16) for young adults with ASD. |
|
Setting |
State VR programs |
|
Sample |
906 young adults with ASD |
|
Data Collection |
Data for this study came from the Rehabilitation Services Administration 911 database. |
|
Control |
Transition planning starting at age 16. |
|
Findings |
In each of the four years examined, individuals from the early transition states were significantly more likely to be employed than individuals from the later transition group. Further, early transition individuals who became employed appeared to earn more wages and cost less to serve. |
|
Conclusions |
Findings presented here suggest that waiting until age 16 may be too late to begin transition planning. Consequently, it would be beneficial to both individuals with ASD and taxpayers if the age at which transition services are mandated to be included in IEPs be returned to age 14. |
|
URL |
http://rps.sagepub.com/content/38/2/88.full.pdf |
|
Disabilities |
Autism Spectrum Disorder |
|
Populations |
Male & Female |
|
Outcomes |
Employment acquisition | Wages |
|
NIDILRR Funded |
Not Reported |
|
Research Design |
Observational |
|
Peer Reviewed |
Yes |
