Integration in the Vocational World: How Does It Affect Quality of Life and Subjective Well-Being of Young Adults with ASD

Abstract

This study aimed to assess whether the perception of quality of life (QOL) and subjective well-being (SWB) of young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is affected by participation in a comprehensive program. Participants included 25 young adults with ASD who participated in the “Roim Rachok Program” (RRP), where they were trained to become aerial photography interpreters. Following the training period, they served in a designated army unit where they practiced their newly acquired profession. The participants filled out two questionnaires, (a) Quality of Life (QOL-Q) and (b) Personal Well-being Index (PWI), at three points of the intervention: (a) before the course, (b) at the end of the course, and (c) six months after integrating in the designated army unit. Wilcoxon signed ranks tests were used to assess the differences between the reported QOL and SWB at the three points of time. The results suggest that there were no significant differences at the end of the course, compared to its beginning. However, there were significantly improved perception of QOL and SWB during the period between the end of the course and six months after starting work. The results of this study highlight the importance of tailored vocational programs that are adapted to the unique needs and strengths of individuals with ASD.

Factors impacting employment for people with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review

“…Articles were categorised according to employment type, including vocational skills training, such as work experience or an internship, and sheltered, supported or competitive employment. The majority of articles (k=98) focused on participants with ASD finding and securing roles in paid, supported or competitive employment, while 16 studies investigated work experience or vocational skills training with the goal of individuals eventually obtaining supported or competitive employment (Allen et al, 2010a;Allen et al, 2010b;Arikawa et al, 2013;Briel and Getzel, 2014;Burgess and Cimera, 2014;Burke et al, 2010;Burke et al, 2013;Dotson et al, 2013;Gal et al, 2015b;Gilson and Carter, 2016;Hayes et al, 2015;Seaman and Cannella-Malone, 2016;Anderson et al, 2017;Baker-Ericzen et al, 2018;Rosen et al, 2017;Walsh et al, 2018). One study explored whether participating in sheltered workshops prior to engaging in supported open employment improved vocational outcomes for individuals with ASD (Table 2) (Cimera et al, 2012).…”

Predictors of mental health and well‐being in employed adults with autism spectrum disorder at 12‐month follow‐up

“…Katz, Dejak, and Gal [] reported a small increase on the competency sub‐scale of a quality of life measure over 9‐months in 26 adults with ASD working within a supported work placement program in Israel; no other significant changes were identified on the measure. In an Israeli Defence Force supported employment program, a small but statistically significant increase in quality of life scores was reported for 21 young adults with ASD following 6‐months integration into a military unit [Gal, Selanikyo, Erez, & Katz, ]. However, the majority of domains on a personal well‐being index failed to show significant improvements over the same time period in a sub‐sample of 11 individuals.…”

Leveraging 3D Technology for Students with Autism: An innovative university-community collaboration for skill development and vocational exploration

“…An emerging theme in the literature is the pivotal role of employment services, the school system, transition planning and the building of community partnerships in facilitating efficacy in vocational rehabilitative services (Gal et al 2015;Jacob et al 2015;McDonough & Revell 2010;Schall 2010;Sung et al 2015).…”

“…The application of acquired skills to a meaningful job translates to an enhanced perception of quality of life and subjective wellbeing for young adults with ASD (Gal et al 2015). Some 50,000 people with ASD turn 18 every year in the United States and represent the largest group seeking employment in the autism population .…”