EMPLOYER CONFIDENCE IN SELF-CAPACITY TO SUPPORT EMPLOYEES WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY AGENCIES

Abstract

Community employment prospects for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have improved as a result of decades of federal legislation as well as a growing body of research and employment service delivery options. However, employment outcomes among this population continue to lag behind general employment figures. While employer partnerships with school- and community-based work-based learning (WBL) and pre-/employment service providers have shown promise, research from the perspective of employers in hiring, retaining, and supporting workers with ASD has been limited. This pilot study explored the extent to which partnerships with school- and community-based WBL, pre-employment, and employment service providers impacted employers’ confidence in their own capacity to support employees with ASD. An online survey questionnaire was distributed to employers in a mid-sized, midwestern university city. Results of the survey indicated that (a) partnerships are occurring at a low rate, and (b) partnerships and employer confidence in self-capacity are not closely associated. Limitations that necessitate caution when interpreting the results are discussed. Directions for future research that build upon these findings are presented, including refining the survey instrument and distribution methods, targeted interviews, focus groups, and comparative studies.