Vocational rehabilitation counselors’ experiences with clients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: Results of a national survey

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Murza, Kimberly A.

Affiliations: Audiology & Speech Language Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Campus Box 140, Gunter Hall 1510, Greeley, CO 80639, USA. Tel.: +1 970 351 1084; Fax: +1 970 351 2974; E-mail: Kimberly.Murza@unco.edu

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are accessing vocational rehabilitation services in larger numbers than previously, their vocational outcomes are extremely poor. The thoughts and experiences of vocational rehabilitation counselors in working with this population have not previously been explored. OBJECTIVE: The current study was designed to gather information about vocational rehabilitation counselors’ experiences and thoughts on working with adults with ASD. METHODS: An original 73-item survey was developed and disseminated to vocational rehabilitation counselors across the U. S. Participants were recruited through email and were asked to respond to a web-based survey. RESULTS: A total of 932 vocational rehabilitation counselors representing 35 states participated in the survey. Although most respondents had a small caseload/workload of individuals with ASD, the majority had experiences working with this population. Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that social skill deficits presented barriers to workplace success. Almost all respondents indicated interest in receiving additional training in supporting their clients with ASD and felt these clients would benefit from social skill intervention programs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that social skill deficits are critical to consider for practitioners working with individuals with ASD and researchers interested in exploring the efficacy of this work.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, supported employment, vocational rehabilitation counselors

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-160831

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 301-313, 2016