Coming out autistic at work: A review of the literature.

LAY ABSTRACT: Research consistently documents the poor postsecondary outcomes of autistic individuals. It is important to identify supports that help autistic individuals get and keep jobs to improve postsecondary outcomes. Autism diagnosis disclosure at work may serve as a support (e.g., receiving accommodations) or as a barrier (e.g., discrimination) to getting and keeping employment, but little is known about the lived experiences of autistic individuals on diagnosis disclosure at work. To better understand why individuals on the spectrum choose to pursue disclosure or choose not to disclose at work, how they disclose, and the consequences of that disclosure, a state-of-the-art literature review was conducted. Ten studies met the final inclusion criteria and were synthesized to provide guidance to autistic individuals, families, and professionals who support their transition to employment. Findings from the review indicate that diagnosis disclosure is a highly complex decision. Across reviewed studies, participants chose to pursue disclosure for specific reasons, including access to accommodations or support, increase understanding, and advocate for self or others. Autistic individuals participating across reviewed studies shared they chose not to disclose primarily due to fears of discrimination and experience of stigma. Both the hopes (access to accommodations and supports) and fears (bullying and discrimination) were validated in the experienced consequences of disclosure. More research is needed on the contextual experiences of how individuals on the spectrum disclose their diagnosis at work.

Typical preschoolers' perceptions of augmentative and alternative communication modes of a preschooler with autism spectrum disorder.

Understanding typical preschoolers' perceptions of communication modes could help guide augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention for preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study explored the perceptions of 16 typically developing preschoolers toward an (a) AAC application (app) on a tablet, (b) picture exchange using a binder with printed Picture Communication SymbolsTM, and (c) prelinguistic communication used by a preschooler with ASD in a series of videos the preschoolers watched. Using a multi-method design, the study implemented both quantitative (rank ordering and preference selection) and qualitative (interview) methodologies. Quantitative results revealed the typical preschoolers had a clear overall preference for the AAC app, but variation in preference existed when selecting a communication mode to use in specific social scenarios. Qualitative data show the children more easily understood the child with ASD when he used the AAC app and associated tablets with fun, which may have accounted for positive perceptions of this AAC mode. The study is exploratory in nature and limited by its size and scope. However, it provides insights useful for clinicians' understanding not just how typical preschoolers perceive various modes of communication, but also why they may perceive some more favorably than others, in order to tailor intervention accordingly.

National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC) model - an integrated model of evidence-based practices for autism spectrum disorder. / Zintegrowany model terapii autyzmu opartej na dowodach ­ model National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a serious neurodevelopmental condition requires intensive and comprehensive interventions, particularly interventions found to be effective through rigorous research. The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC) was formed in the USAin order to conduct a comprehensive review of ASD-related evidence-based practices (EBPs) and to create amodelof implementing such practices for children, adolescents and young adults (from preschool to high school education level). The NPDC final review, being the most comprehensive to date (the initial search included 29,105 articles) identified 27 ASD-focused EBPs. In addition to the resulting matrix of the autism-related EBPs, and the e-learning moduleson the identified interventions, the NPDC model includes as well the Autism Program Environment Rating Scale (APERS) for external evaluation and self-assessment, goal attainment scaling (GAS) and coaching program manual. To date, the model has been implemented in 12 states in the USAand is being introduced in several other countries including Australia, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, and Poland. The purpose of this article is to present the NPDC model and its components, along with the relevant research.

Assessing Quality of Program Environments for Children and Youth with Autism: Autism Program Environment Rating Scale (APERS).

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Autism Program Environment Rating Scale (APERS), an instrument designed to assess quality of program environments for students with autism spectrum disorder. Data sets from two samples of public school programs that provided services to children and youth with autism spectrum disorder were utilized. Cronbach alpha analyses indicated high coefficients of internal consistency for the total APERS and moderate levels for item domains for the first data set, which was replicated with the second data set. A factor analysis of the first data set indicated that all domain scores loaded on one main factor, in alignment with the conceptual model, with this finding being replicated in the second data set. Also, the APERS was sensitive to changes resulting from a professional development program designed to promote program quality.

Multi-informant assessment of transition-related skills and skill importance in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder have limited participation in the transition planning process, despite the link between active participation and an improvement in postsecondary education and employment outcomes. The Secondary School Success Checklist was designed to support transition planning for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder by incorporating their own assessments of strengths, skill deficits, and prioritization for instruction along with those of their parents and teachers across multiple skill domains. Findings from more than 500 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder across the United States indicate discrepancies between adolescent, teacher, and parent ratings of skills highlighting the importance of the inclusion of multiple perspectives in transition planning. Although ratings varied, agreement between adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, parents, and teachers across the highest and lowest rated skills suggests the need to broaden the focus on critical transition skills to include problem-solving, planning for life after high school, and self-advocacy.

Evidence-Based Practices for Children, Youth, and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comprehensive Review.

The purpose of this study was to identify evidenced-based, focused intervention practices for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. This study was an extension and elaboration of a previous evidence-based practice review reported by Odom et al. (Prev Sch Fail 54:275-282, 2010b, doi: 10.1080/10459881003785506 ). In the current study, a computer search initially yielded 29,105 articles, and the subsequent screening and evaluation process found 456 studies to meet inclusion and methodological criteria. From this set of research studies, the authors found 27 focused intervention practices that met the criteria for evidence-based practice (EBP). Six new EBPs were identified in this review, and one EBP from the previous review was removed. The authors discuss implications for current practices and future research.