The Validation Process: A useful tool to visualize abilities and enhance the possibilities of paid employment for people with ASD

Abstract

To access and maintain paid employment is of importance for all people in our society. Today a large number of people are more or less excluded from the open labour market. One of these disadvantaged groups is people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This paper presents the project KVAS – Assessment and Validation Asperger Syndrome, that took place in the municipality of Botkyrka in Sweden during the years 2007–2010. The Empowerment network in the Autism and Asperger Association in Sweden initiated the project aiming to develop ways to visualize the abilities of individuals with Asperger Syndrome to increase their chances to permanent paid employment. The outcome of the project The Validation Process is introduced together with the Barometer and My Profile, self-assessment tools that were developed in the project to assist people with ASD in assessing their own resources and support needs to increase self-advocacy. The Validation Process consists of 4 modules that concern work in different ways. The model was originally developed for group sessions in combination with individual work, but can also be used individually. It can be used in the Supported Employment process for work preparation, vocational profiling or as job support.