Affiliations: Education Department, Hobart and William Smith
Colleges, Geneva, NY, USA | Nanjing, China
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Helen McCabe, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY 14456, USA. Tel.: +1 315
781 3142; Fax: +1 315 781 3843; E-mail: mccabe@hws.edu
Abstract: This article presents the results of research on one case of
employment for an individual with autism in a Chinese city. The research
investigated the context of this employment, including family and local
leaders' and coworkers' responses to it. Interviews and participant observation
were conducted and almost daily work notes collected. Two major themes
resulted. First, community efforts led to employment for an individual with
autism providing a situation that was seen by all as mutually beneficial, to
both the individual and her family as well as to the Community and local
government, the Street Office. Second, despite this opportunity provided by the
government, the mother's role continued to be essential and primary, including
a main goal of making sure her daughter with autism could adapt herself to the
coworkers' expectations and job requirements.
Keywords: China, autism, supported employment, international, parent involvement, family
