Research Support Services for Employment of Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum

After leaving high school, young adults on the autism spectrum experience lower participation rates in vocational or technical education and employment, even compared to young adults with other disabilities. Moving the needle on employment outcomes for this group requires more evidence on a diverse array of approaches and input from a wide range of stakeholders.

The Research Support Services for Employment of Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum (REYAAS) project will examine challenges to and catalysts for improving employment and career development within this population. In partnership with ODEP, Mathematica aims to identify specific factors, approaches, policies, and practices that contribute to successful employment for young adults on the autism spectrum. Our team will:

• Review the literature on existing strategies to support employment and the evidence of their effectiveness;
• Hold listening sessions with a range of stakeholders, including young adults on the autism spectrum;
• Assess and analyze extant administrative and/or survey data;
• Develop evaluation designs and recommendations for future evidence-building activities; and
• Conduct a survey of young adults on the autism spectrum

We will use this information to disseminate actionable findings on promising policies and practices that reduce underemployment of young adults on the autism spectrum and increase work opportunities that reflect individual skills, talents, and interests.