Postsecondary Education and Employment Among Youth With an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Postsecondary Education and Employment Among Youth With an Autism Spectrum Disorder

2012 | Paul T. Shattuck, PhD, Sarah Carter Narendorf, MSW, Benjamin Cooper, MPH, Paul R. Sterzing, MSSW, Mary Wagner, PhD, and Julie Lounds Taylor, PhD
This study examines the prevalence and correlates of postsecondary education and employment among youth with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NTS2), the authors found that 34.7% of youth with ASD had attended college, and 55.1% had held paid employment during the first 6 years after high school. However, more than 50% of youth who left high school in the past 2 years had no participation in employment or education. Youth with ASD had the lowest rates of participation in employment and the highest rates of no participation compared to youth with other disability categories. Higher income and higher functional ability were associated with higher adjusted odds of participation in postsecondary employment and education. The study highlights the need for improved transition planning to facilitate better outcomes for youth with ASD in the years following high school.This study examines the prevalence and correlates of postsecondary education and employment among youth with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NTS2), the authors found that 34.7% of youth with ASD had attended college, and 55.1% had held paid employment during the first 6 years after high school. However, more than 50% of youth who left high school in the past 2 years had no participation in employment or education. Youth with ASD had the lowest rates of participation in employment and the highest rates of no participation compared to youth with other disability categories. Higher income and higher functional ability were associated with higher adjusted odds of participation in postsecondary employment and education. The study highlights the need for improved transition planning to facilitate better outcomes for youth with ASD in the years following high school.
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