Use of Social Narratives as an Evidence-Based Practice to Support Employment of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Practitioner’s Guide

Authors

  • Jamie Thomas, M.S. (Author) University of North Texas image/svg+xml
    Jamie Thomas, M.S., CCC/SLP is a special education coordinator in the Birdville School District in the Fort Worth, Texas area. Mrs. Thomas has 25 years in special education in the public schools. She is a doctoral candidate in the dissertation phase at the University of North Texas. Her research interest includes autism, social skills, and successful transitions out of the school setting.
  • Susan Nix, M.Ed. (Author) University of North Texas
    Susan Nix, M.Ed., is a Registered Professional Educational Diagnostician for Birdville ISD in Texas and is in her 23rd year of public education. She is a doctoral candidate in the dissertation phase at the University of North Texas. Miss Nix’s research interest is in student participation in the IEP process, self-determination, and transition planning for students identified as having a learning disability.
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.332
The statistical data reports that current unemployment rates for young adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States is bleak. In 2004, Hurlbutt and Chalmers noted that difficulties obtaining and keeping employment are many times connected to issues involving social interactions and communication skills rather than performing specific job skills. Research from Wehman, et al. (2012) recently noted that students with ASD with access to intensive strategy training have more employment potential than previously realized. In addition, Klin, Volkmar and Sparrow (2000) note that there is a need to explicitly teach social skills to enhance the chance of employability. The purpose of this article is to give teachers, service providers, parents, job coaches and/or employers practical evidence-based strategies in the use of social narratives to support employment for young adults with an ASD.

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There are 23 references in total.
Thomas, J., & Nix, S. (2017). Use of Social Narratives as an Evidence-Based Practice to Support Employment of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Practitioner’s Guide. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 12(1), 163-169. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.332

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  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted December 31, 2016
  • Published February 15, 2017
  • Issue Winter 2017
  • Section Articles
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