Taking a step forward: A hybrid hands-on work program for young adults with ASD

Although many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) receive support and transitional services during high school, those services do not always meet their socio-emotional and cognitive needs (Anderson et al., 2018). As a result, fewer than 50% of youth with ASD participated in postsecondary education or employment in the 2 years following high school graduation (Shattuck et al., 2012; Yamamoto & Alverson, 2022). Harmuth and colleagues (2018) found that for these individuals, one’s social environment has a significant impact on their ability to succeed. When provided with adequate support and training specific to their individualized needs, they are better prepared to enter the workforce (Harmuth et al., 2018). Despite this need, effective services can be difficult to come by, creating another barrier for young adults with ASD seeking employment.