Individual Placement and Support for Adults with Autism: A Qualitative Study of Experienced Professionals' Opinions
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| Title: | Individual Placement and Support for Adults with Autism: A Qualitative Study of Experienced Professionals' Opinions |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Ana Carolina Florence, Reilly Mulcahy, Jennifer L. McLaren, Glyn Elwyn, Aaron Rock, Phillip D. Rumrill, Timothy Michael Mulcahy, Franco Mascayano, Othal Smith III, Sarah Swanson, Robert E. Drake |
| Source: | Rehabilitation Research, Policy, and Education. 2025 39(1):17-24. |
| Availability: | Springer Publishing Company. 11 West 42nd Street 15th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Tel: 877-687-7476; Tel: 212-431-4370; Fax: 212-941-7842; e-mail: subscriptions@springerpub.com; Web site: https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrrrpe |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 8 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Adults, Placement, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Vocational Rehabilitation, Health Insurance, Employment Programs, Supported Employment, Foreign Countries, Job Training, Job Placement |
| Geographic Terms: | United States, Europe |
| DOI: | 10.1891/RE-24-13 |
| ISSN: | 2168-6653 2168-6661 |
| Abstract: | Background: Autism typically begins in childhood and affects over five million adults across the United States. Although most adults with autism would like to work, only about one-fourth are employed, and only 1% of working-age adults with autism receive employment services paid for by Vocational Rehabilitation or Medicaid. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based supported employment program developed for people with mental health disabilities that has been extended to new populations, including adults with autism. This project explored the perspectives of IPS employment specialists and other professionals who have worked with adults with autism. Objective: This project explored the perspectives of IPS employment specialists and other professionals who have worked with adults with autism. Methods: This project used semistructured qualitative interviews with experienced professionals to explore their experiences delivering IPS to adults with autism. Findings: Interviews with 35 professionals from seven U.S. states and two European countries yielded two themes: strategies to work with adults with autism and programmatic considerations. Participants recommended no major changes to the core principles of IPS but suggested minor adjustments, such as providing increased support for social interactions on the job and working closely with families and employers. Conclusions: Although no major adaptations to IPS were reported, improving training, addressing structural barriers, and centering the voices of adults with autism are key to enhancing employment outcomes and guiding future research. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1477951 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Autism typically begins in childhood and affects over five million adults across the United States. Although most adults with autism would like to work, only about one-fourth are employed, and only 1% of working-age adults with autism receive employment services paid for by Vocational Rehabilitation or Medicaid. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based supported employment program developed for people with mental health disabilities that has been extended to new populations, including adults with autism. This project explored the perspectives of IPS employment specialists and other professionals who have worked with adults with autism. Objective: This project explored the perspectives of IPS employment specialists and other professionals who have worked with adults with autism. Methods: This project used semistructured qualitative interviews with experienced professionals to explore their experiences delivering IPS to adults with autism. Findings: Interviews with 35 professionals from seven U.S. states and two European countries yielded two themes: strategies to work with adults with autism and programmatic considerations. Participants recommended no major changes to the core principles of IPS but suggested minor adjustments, such as providing increased support for social interactions on the job and working closely with families and employers. Conclusions: Although no major adaptations to IPS were reported, improving training, addressing structural barriers, and centering the voices of adults with autism are key to enhancing employment outcomes and guiding future research. |
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| ISSN: | 2168-6653 2168-6661 |
| DOI: | 10.1891/RE-24-13 |
