Views about employment from young adults on the autism spectrum: Evidence from a national survey

• In Event: Barriers and Facilitators of Community Living for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

In this paper, we present findings from a novel, large-scale survey of young adults on the autism spectrum to understand their employment experiences. Autistic young adults must navigate a complex web of challenges as they transition from school to employment. Many experience co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, as well as disproportionately high rates of household poverty. During this period, autistic young adults often rely on a range of supports spanning education, workforce development, healthcare, and social services. However, as they exit school-based systems and age into adult services, they can encounter fragmented systems, reduced eligibility, and gaps in coordination that make it more difficult to meet their needs. Despite the importance of this transition period, there is limited large-scale, up-to-date data on the employment experiences and service use of autistic young adults (Musse et al., 2022).

To address this evidence gap, we conducted a national survey of more than 3,500 autistic young adults ages 16 to28, capturing detailed information on education, employment, and access to transition-related supports. The survey was complemented by in-depth qualitative interviews with a subset of respondents. The interviews offered an opportunity for participants to share more detailed, narrative accounts of their experiences. Together, these data offer both breadth and depth, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the pathways autistic young adults take as they move into adulthood. 

In this presentation, I will share findings on key milestones and challenges, including completing schooling, entering the workforce, and maintaining employment over time. I will also examine patterns in access to and use of transition services, as well as perceived barriers to obtaining effective supports. By integrating large-sample survey data with qualitative insights, this study highlights areas where current systems fall short and identifies opportunities for policy and practice to better support autistic young adults in achieving meaningful employment outcomes.

Author

• Ankita Patnaik, Mathematica
  Presenting Author