Literature Review. Autism Overview. Autism Spectrum Disorder

The importance of school completion in the transition of students with disabilities to postsecondary life has received considerable attention (Blackorby & Wagner, 1996). However, it appears that students with disabilities do not fare well in their lives beyond high school in terms of employment or postsecondary education (Blackorby & Wagner, 1996). Most students who drop out of school because of a disability often find it hard to find a job then does their peers getting a high school diploma.

Career and technical education offers SWD concrete application of newly learned skills and has proven to have a positive influence on a multitude of factors. In previous studies, participation in career and technical education classes by SWD resulted in continued enrollment in high school, as well as increased opportunities for post high school work opportunities. Harvey (2001) concluded, “vocational education has been reported to make a significant difference in post school employment for students with disabilities when it was occupationally specific and directed at labor market needs” (p. 111). *****Most recently, Wagner, Newman & Javitz (2015) utilized data from NLTS2, a National Longitudinal Transition Study funded by the U.S. Department of Education, which followed SWD from high school to post school endeavors, revealing undeniable evidence that supports the benefits of continued

Autism spectrum disorders are a class of developmental disorders that impair social skills, behavior, and communication (Center for Disease Control). ASDs are considered ‘spectrum’ disorders because each patient has a unique experience in the nature and severity of their symptoms (Center for Disease Control). Under the umbrella of ASDs, there are three types of disorders, including Autistic disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (Center for Disease Control). Autistic disorder is the most severe of the three, and patients exhibit significant problems with language, communication, and behavior (Center for Disease Control). Furthermore, people with Autistic disorder often have some intellectual impairment (Center for Disease Control). Asperger Syndrome is a milder form of autistic disorder where patients have some developmental delays, but their language and intellect are not affected (Center for Disease Control). The mildest of the ASDs is the pervasive developmental disorder. These patients usually don’t meet all of the criteria for autistic disorder, but do show some signs of social and communication problems (Center for Disease Control). The number of children diagnosed with ASD is growing, and currently 1 in 88 children fall somewhere on the spectrum (Mari-Bauset et al., 2013). Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism, and while the exact cause of these disorders is unknown, both genetic and

In working as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, I am learning the importance of quality individualizes services and how they can support people with disabilities to prepare for obtaining employment. I have been have been participating closely with individuals that have a disability to help them achieve greater levels of independence by assisting them to develop goals and look for opportunities for employment. I am finding out that you have to really put a lot of effort as a vocational counselor in gathering medical, educational and different evaluations to determine eligibility and to help with the planning process of assisting the individual to choose the right occupation for themselves. In planning for a consumer to reach their

This case study involves a male student with juvenile arthritis who has two younger brothers who also have this condition. This individual wants to be a pilot. The parents are supportive of this student's plans for his future. This study will answer: (1) what is the impact of having a disability and what might be the different perspectives of stakeholders involved in the inclusion of students with special needs? and (2) What can be learned from listening to the voices of those with disabilities? This study will develop a 'mind map' to synthesize and critique some of the issues learned through listening to the voices of those with disabilities. Finally, this study will answer as what resources are available to inform teachers?

provide the appropriate transition service to all students with disabilities; applying numerous and challenging programs and strategies. “Students learn to manage their time and money, network with professionals, and prioritize work and school assignments”. Besides, the executive director state that these training motivate and prepare students to insert into society, learning a trade and receiving a salary for their efforts; understanding the meaning of the work, developing social skills, adopting appropriate behaviors, and adequate work’s habits (Virtual Job Shadow, 2016).

This inventory was created to measure vocational interests of individuals with disabilities, ages 12-62, in a reading-free format. This test can be used with people who may have physical, intellectual, and or specific learning disabilities. This inventory is also appropriate for individuals whose first language is not English, those who have a mental health diagnosis, or economically disadvantaged populations. The test consists of a series of 55 sets of three drawings each illustrating different job tasks; the individual chooses the most preferred activity in each set. This inventory can be used in multiple settings such as junior and senior high schools, vocational and career training programs, career counseling centers, colleges and can be used by various qualified professionals for example psychologists, counselors, teachers, and paraprofessionals.

Living with disabilities on a daily basis can be more difficult then some realize. Many people who are born with developmental disabilities start their education and therapy at a very young age and there are also those people who have been diagnosed with a disability sometime during their lifetime. But what is there for them to do once they have graduated from high school or are told they are too old to continue in a regular school or they are simply told they aren’t accepted in the “normal” community? In all reality there really

According to Pyle and Wexler (2012), students with disabilities are disproportionally represented in high school graduation rates. Millions of students with individual education plans (IEPs) lack a high school diploma which then in turn affects their ability to secure

According to the CDC, autism is “a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges (Facts About Autism, 2016)”. Autism was first discussed in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner, after he observed 11 children who had fixations on the inanimate environment rather than people (Quick Facts About Autism). It affects about one percent of the population, and is

Van Hees, V., Moyson, T., & Roeyers, H. (2015). Higher education experiences of students with autism spectrum disorder. Challenges, benefits and support needs. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(6), 1673-1688.

The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is a major life event and change that young people experience. For secondary school students with disabilities, the transition to post-school life is particularly significant because they may confronted challenges from personal limitations and environmental barriers (Stewart et al., 2010). There are often not a lot of opportunity available to secondary graduates with disabilities (Sydney, 2010). Therefore, secondary schools have responsibility to provide information, support and advice on life beyond school to prepare students, particularly, students with disabilities and their parents to make informed decisions of pathways including further education and employment before leaving the school.

Tasheka Sutton-Young has carried a research to analyze provided services for ASD students transitioning from secondary to postsecondary education. Semi-sturcured interviews were held with managers and directors of disability/accessibility services in 5 different community colleges. The purpose of the research is to find out the challenges that ASD students are facing and the ways of improving this transitioning process. While students with disabilities are being prepared for the academic expectations of college through their IEPs, they are ill prepared for the social and psychological dimentions of their higher education experience (Wehman, 2008). So this study was held to understand possible types of support that students can benefit

A vocational education, now called Career and Technical Education (CTE), is typically a non-traditional degree which prepares students to work in a specific trade, and can lead to a successful career. Funk and Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia defines vocational education as, “instruction in skills necessary for persons who are preparing to enter the labor force or who need training or retraining in the technology of their occupation” (“Education, Vocational” 1). Throughout the years, vocational education has been considered a “second-best option for the second-best kids” (Watson 1). However, there seems to be a trend of expanding vocational education to keep up with the current needs of the labor market (Rose 1). This trend is a testament

This study intends to explore on the services offered to students with disabilities, and the outcomes of these services to their education and career goals. It will examine if the obstacles faced by special needs children have to do with how effective the policies are in addressing the needs of such children. This study is important to children with disabilities because it can help them discover the education opportunities available for them, the institutions they can rely on for economic support, and the treatment they should expect from the society.