The Employment of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the State of Alabama

Abstract

This study is an examination of possible predictor variables for employment of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Alabama. A logistic regression was used to analyze the following variables as possible predictors of employment: money spent by Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) on clients, client location (i.e., rural v. urban), referral source, family income, and ethnicity. The Alabama Department Of Rehabilitation Services has collected and stored data on individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder since 1991. A total of 361 individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder applied for VRS services between March 1991 and September 2006. The sample of the present study is comprised of all 361 individuals. Of the 361 individuals diagnosed with Autism and who applied for VRS, 68 individuals gained employment between March 1991 and September 2006. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicate that the source of referral to the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is a predictor of employment. Individuals with ASD who were referred by a source other than an educational source were twice as likely to gain employment. No other variables included in the study were found to be predictors of employment.