"Having the job coach work with employers, it's a good thing": A qualitative examination of vocational supports for autistic adults

Maroushek, Emma E (2022) "Having the job coach work with employers, it's a good thing": A qualitative examination of vocational supports for autistic adults. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

Extant literature suggests that employment outcomes for autistic adults are poor and have significant implications for their future health and wellbeing, such as inability to achieve independence and a decline in their mental health. Sources of support from service providers, employers, and coworkers may facilitate individual workplace success and improved outcomes such as greater independence, gains in self-perceptions of ability, and improved mental health and wellbeing. However, prior work on successful employment of autistic individuals is quantitative in nature and much of it is conducted outside of the United States. The few qualitative studies that have been completed in the United States have focused on autistic adults and other stakeholders (e.g., their parents, service providers, and employers) living on the East Coast. Examining the perspectives of these individuals in other regions of the United States is important for understanding their lived experiences and contributions to the vocational success of autistic adults. The aim of the current study was to expand the literature by examining the views of stakeholders in a large metropolitan city in the Southwestern United States regarding supports for successful employment of autistic adults. An analysis of semi-structured interviews of five service providers and five employers of autistic individuals was conducted using a thematic analysis research approach. Thematic analysis revealed that service providers were an integral support member in preparing an autistic individual for employment, however employers and coworkers became the primary sources of support once the autistic individual was employed. Furthermore, employers cite service providers as giving them invaluable information and guidance on how to support their autistic employees. This study contributes to the literature by informing other stakeholders of the supports they may offer their autistic clients or employees and emphasizes the importance of involving both a service provider and an employer in working together to facilitate the vocational success of autistic individuals. Future directions for research are discussed in the context of the study’s strengths and limitations.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	autism; employers; employment; qualitative; service providers; support
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
MeSH Subjects:	F Psychiatry and Psychology > F03 Mental Disorders
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Social and Behavioral Science > Psychological Sciences
Date Deposited:	22 May 2023 22:23
Last Modified:	22 May 2023 22:23
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/5900

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