BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that adults with High Functioning
Autism Spectrum Disorders (HFASD) are reliant on others for support in
functioning in everyday life and employment.
OBJECTIVES: This study followed a work placement program for people
with HFASD over a nine months period. It aimed to measure the trajectory of
their work performance and Quality of life on jobs in the open market.
METHODS: Twenty-six participants with HFASD ages 18-40 underwent
extensive evaluation and based on it were placed in various jobs on the open
market. Participants were followed for nine months at their work place at
four different time points. QoL was self-assessed in addition to work
performance (WPE) which was assessed both by first-hand and team member's
accounts. Team members are health professional who accompany and support the
participants in the transition to their jobs.
RESULTS: All 26 participants were able to maintain their jobs
during the nine months of follow-up. WPE was perceived as high to
start with, and its scores slightly improved by both people with HFASD and
team members. Self-report suggests a significant change in the quality of
life of the participants, specifically in their evaluations of self-competency.
CONCLUSIONS: This study enhances the importance of providing people
with HFASD with work placing programs and following up during actual work
performance.
