Embracing the future: Artificial intelligence in the provision of pre-employment transition services to autistic and neurodivergent youth

Abstract

Background

Transition-aged youth with autism and other neurodiversities face high levels of unemployment and underemployment and can benefit from pre-employment and transition services to improve long-term outcomes. While the mainstream proliferation of artificial intelligence tools has garnered global attention over the last year, there is a growing body of research exploring how these technologies can be used to enhance communication and workplace readiness skills for these transition-aged youth.

Objective

This article examines the current state of artificial intelligence and technology integration into pre-employment and transition skills training for neurodivergent and autistic youth.

Method

We completed a scoping literature review across these topic areas, pre-employment services and artificial intelligence and technology for neurodivergent and autistic youth.

Results

We found the literature in this area of research to be in a state of rapid development and flux. A total of 27 articles were found. Specifically, there is literature describing the needs of neurodivergent and autistic youth in pre-employment services related to workplace readiness. Our review revealed promising advances in the use of technology and artificial intelligence to support the development of social communication and job-related skills for use in pre-ETS.

Conclusions

The proliferation of artificial intelligence and technology into mainstream society provides an opportunity to explore and hone the use of these tools to improve pre-employment and transition skills for neurodivergent youth. Stakeholders should engage in participatory and ethical practices to develop and implement strategies that improve workplace readiness and employment outcomes for this population.