Researchers study work experiences of adults on autism spectrum

A new study by researchers at the Faculty of Social Work and the Werklund School of Education is examining the work experiences of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

ASD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disability usually diagnosed in childhood. Recent estimates indicate that one in 68 children are diagnosed with the disorder. The impact of ASD on individual, and family, life is substantial, and there is often need for supportive resources on a daily basis and across the lifespan. 

While ASD is often thought of as largely a child-based disability, children who are diagnosed with ASD indeed grow up to be adults with ASD.  And while symptoms and challenges may shift over time and improve with appropriate treatment, many individuals continue to require ongoing support and tailored services throughout their lives.

Adults with ASD unlikely to find ongoing jobs 

For many individuals with ASD, there is potential for success in achieving employment. However, people with ASD often struggle to find meaningful and stable jobs. In large part, this is due to the challenges they face, but also due to obstacles they encounter within the community.

“Unfortunately, adults with ASD are unlikely to find ongoing work, despite many having marketable skills and a desire for labour market involvement,” says Theresa Jubenville, a doctoral student in Counselling Psychology in the Werklund School of Education.

Researchers recruiting for study on employment 

Over the past few years, while working in various positions — as an aide worker, a respite worker, and a counselling practicum student — Jubenville has connected with many individuals and families impacted by ASD.  

During this time, and as she began her doctoral work, Jubenville met David Nicholas, an associate professor with the Faculty of Social Work, and joined him on a research study to examine the work experiences of adults with ASD.  

In their Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)-funded project entitled, Examining Transition to the Labour Force for Individuals with ASD, Nicholas and Jubenville are exploring employment among adults with ASD. They are determining existing gaps and opportunities for advancement of employment opportunity; through their research, they will examine and develop innovative pathways to successful employment for individuals with ASD.

The researchers plan to interview a total of 65 adults based in Alberta with ASD and are currently in the process of recruitment. Employment support service providers (such as job coaches), employers, and, where applicable, parents, will also be interviewed to ascertain a range of responses on both the successes and challenges of employing an individual on the autism spectrum.

Goal of research is to improve vocational opportunities and quality of life

Nicholas, the principal investigator of the study, says the goal of the research is to identify and inform promising practices and determine priorities for optimally engaging adults with ASD in long-term employment and other meaningful vocational activity.

“Our aim is to advance practice-based knowledge to ultimately improve vocational opportunities and quality of life for individuals with ASD,” says Nicholas, who works from the Faculty of Social Work’s Central and Northern Alberta Region, based in Edmonton. 

“Considering that adults will spend a significant portion of their adult years engaged in work, this is an important area of ASD research that has received relatively little attention, both in Canada and internationally. It is critical that we ensure welcoming and supportive vocational opportunities for community members with ASD. To that end, we need to understand what can make that happen.”

To learn more about and/or to participate in this research, send an email to edmres@ucalgary.ca.