Autism is a developmental disability that provides special challenges to families, schools, and adult support systems. An additional area that is affected by the symptoms of autism is medicine. The deficits associated with autism in the areas of communication and social skills, as well as the prevalence of challenging behavior can interfere with…

A total of 35 adults (24-77 years; 24 males and 11 females) with Asperger syndrome (AS) who were in, were waiting to get in, or had been in support groups participated in the study. In general, the adults were highly educated but unemployed or underemployed and living alone with family members as friends. The participants were interviewed,…

The importance of employment in society is unmistakable, but for many people sustained employment remains elusive. The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is staggering, and the consequences of being unemployed affects those individuals, their families, and society. The effects of performance feedback delivered via covert audio…

The preferences of students with autism for watching themselves, a familiar adult, or a familiar peer in video recordings were examined. A multi-stimulus video preference assessment was used to evaluate the preferences of five students with autism. Three video options of a preferred activity (e.g., vacuuming) or daily/routine activity (e.g., snack…

This article explores the current research literature on adult outcomes of individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS). Specific areas addressed are the characteristics associated with adulthood AS, including employment issues, comorbid mental and physical health conditions, neurological issues, possible problems with the legal system, mortality…

A review of literature on employers' attitudes toward workers with disabilities found that type and severity of disability may affect workforce inclusion, employers appear willing to sacrifice work performance or work quality in exchange for a dependable employee, and employers report several concerns surrounding the work potential of employees…

This article discusses the consequences of labeling individuals with high functioning autism and Asperger syndrome. It describes three ways people respond to a diagnosis: with energy and improved confidence, with a retreat into the disability and withdrawal from relationships, and with resentment for being singled out. (Contains three references.)…

This article reviews a book, "Teaching Kids and Adults with Autism: Building the Framework for Lifetime Learning," (Kathleen McConnell Fad and L. Rozelle Moulton) designed to provide parents and educators with information concerning some of the numerous options available in educating children and adults with autism. It finds the information…

This article reviews research on the role of symbolic, referent, and instructional variables on the acquisition of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) symbols by individuals with autism and severe speech and language impairments. Two vignettes illustrate findings of the review. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

This study investigated the ways in which workplace supports are conceptualized and implemented by four organizations that provide supported employment services. Findings indicate that each agency was driven by strong leadership and a cohesive vision and values with a history of innovation and change. Natural workplace supports were promoted in…

The first of three studies on interagency activity among state agencies delivering or funding employment services focuses on identifying exemplary models and strategies used in interagency agreements to improve delivery of supported employment services. Interagency agreements were most frequent with state agencies that specialized in or had…

This article discusses critical components needed to ensure a durable and substantive role for self-determination in the field of developmental disabilities: a conceptually compelling and operational description of self-determination, a reliable assessment method, and documentation that efforts to improve self-determination are associated with…

This response to a previous article (EC 625 845) on the needs and challenges related to the assessment of self-determination in the field of developmental disability, identifies issues related to the use and abuse of assessing self-determination and suggests an empowerment evaluation approach to these efforts. (Contains four references.)…

In this article, a mother of an adult son with autism discusses the neurology of autism that makes stress so difficult to handle, even when it is the excitement of something positive. The uniqueness of the disability is highlighted, including the need for routines and the lack of coping skills. (Contains three references.) (CR)

In this article, a man with autism and a woman dating him (who has two children with autism) describe their struggles and the wisdom that they have gained trying to maintain a relationship. Symptoms of autism, the love and commitment they share, and their hope for the future are discussed. (CR)