Promoting Career Design in Youth and Young Adults with ASD: A Feasibility Study
- Resource Type
- Journal Articles
Reports - Research
- Authors
- Dean, Evan E. (ORCID 0000-0001-5454-1791); Hagiwara, Mayumi; Shogren, Karrie A.; Wehmeyer, Michael L.; Shrum, Jennifer
- Source
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Jun 2022 52(6):2689-2700.
- Subject
- Autism
Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Youth
Young Adults
Career Choice
Career Development
Goal Orientation
Vocational Interests
Success
Job Performance
Intervention
Models
Transitional Programs
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 0162-3257
Recent calls by transition researchers in postsecondary transition have advocated for new approaches to transition services focused on career design, which uses career-related experiences based on a person's interests to develop goal setting and problem-solving abilities. Youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who often have limited opportunity for career-related experiences, could benefit from career design intervention. This study examined the feasibility of using the Self-Determined Career Design Model (SDCDM) to enhance transition-related outcomes for twenty-five youth and young adults with ASD. Statistically significant gains were seen in goal attainment and occupational performance. This study provides preliminary evidence that the SDCDM can feasibly enhance outcomes for youth and young adults with ASD.