Supported-employment practice in the UK: Evidence about an emerging occupational group

Exploring paid employment options with a person with severe learning disabilities and high support needs: An exploratory case study

Introduction

This case-study research followed the journey of one person who has severe learning and high support needs as, supported by occupational therapy, she attempted to gain a real paid job.

Method

Qualitative triangulated methodology was used, combining a reflexive account of clinical occupational therapy intervention with interview data and secondary documentary analysis. The link between policy and practice was also explored.

Findings

Ultimately, the participant was unsuccessful in gaining a paid job, but remained motivated towards this goal. She became empowered to aspire for paid work, voiced opinions, and developed pre-vocational skills enabling continued pursuit of her goals. Negotiating access to potential employers on behalf of the participant was a significant barrier for the occupational therapist.

Conclusion

The journey of the participant in seeking paid employment was a new experience for everyone involved. There was a clear dichotomy between the aspirational language of policy and the reality of putting those aspirations into practice. As occupational therapists increasingly move into emerging fields, exploring employment for this client group presents opportunities to apply and expand core occupational therapy skills, to achieve mutually rewarding co-occupation and to influence an outstanding issue of occupational injustice.

Predictors for work participation in individuals with an Autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Research shows that only about 25% of people with autism are employed.

METHOD

We conducted a systematic review on factors facilitating or hindering work participation of people with autism in longitudinal studies. An extensive search in biomedical and psychological databases yielded 204 articles and 18 satisfied all inclusion criteria. We assessed the methodological quality of included studies using an established criteria list.

RESULTS

Seventeen factors were identified and categorized as disease-related factors, personal factors or external factors. Limited cognitive ability was the only significant predictor consistently found for work outcome. Functional independence and institutionalization were both reported by one study to be significantly related to work outcome. Inconsistent findings or non significant findings were reported for the other fourteen factors.

CONCLUSION

These findings emphasize the need for more high quality cohort studies focussing on work participation as the main outcome among people with Autism.