Competitive Integrated Employment for Youth and Adults with Autism: Findings from a Scoping Review

Carol Schall; Paul Wehman; Lauren Avellone; Joshua P Taylor

doi:10.1016/j.psc.2020.08.007

Competitive Integrated Employment for Youth and Adults with Autism: Findings from a Scoping Review

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2020 Dec;43(4):701-722. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2020.08.007.

Authors

Carol Schall¹, Paul Wehman², Lauren Avellone³, Joshua P Taylor³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Counseling and Special Education, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Autism Center for Excellence, School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1314 West Main Street, Box 842011, Richmond, VA 23284-2011, USA. Electronic address: cmschall@vcu.edu.
² Department of Counseling and Special Education, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Autism Center for Excellence, School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1314 West Main Street, Box 842011, Richmond, VA 23284-2011, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, School of Medicine, Autism Center for Excellence, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1314 West Main Street, Box 842011, Richmond, VA 23284-2011, USA.
³ Department of Counseling and Special Education, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Autism Center for Excellence, School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1314 West Main Street, Box 842011, Richmond, VA 23284-2011, USA.

PMID: 33127003
DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2020.08.007

Abstract

A scoping review was conducted to map existing literature on effective interventions for competitive employment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Empirical database searches were conducted. A filter for level of methodological rigor was implemented. A total of 25 articles met inclusion criteria. Findings were categorized by level of evidence. Findings revealed strong empirical support for a transition-to-work program called Project SEARCH plus ASD Supports and traditional supported employment services. Receipt of specific vocational rehabilitation and transition services in high school were also identified as effective interventions. Recommendations per level of evidence are provided in more detail.

Keywords: ASD; Autism; Competitive integrated employment; Customized employment; Supported employment.

Publication types

Review