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Gender Differences in Vocational Rehabilitation Service Predictors of Successful Competitive Employment for Transition-Aged Individuals with Autism

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Abstract

As males and females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience different symptomology, their needs for vocational rehabilitation (VR) are unique as they transition into adulthood. This study examined the effects of gender differences in VR service predictors on employment outcomes for transition-aged individuals with ASD. A total of 1696 individuals (857 males and 839 females) were analyzed from a sample of RSA-911 data of FY 2011. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results revealed both gender-independent VR service predictors (with job placement and on-the-job supports more beneficial for both genders) and gender-specific predictors of employment (with counseling and guidance, job search assistance, and other services more beneficial for the male group). This study provides support for individualized gender-specific VR services for people with ASD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Office of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education, Michigan State University, 620 Farm Lane, Room 460, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Connie Sung

  2. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, 79968, USA

    Jennifer Sánchez

  3. Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education, Michigan State University, 620 Farm Lane, Room 457, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Hung-Jen Kuo

  4. Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 413 Baldy Hall, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA

    Chia-Chiang Wang

  5. Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education, Michigan State University, 620 Farm Lane, Room 463, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Michael J. Leahy

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  1. Connie Sung
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  2. Jennifer Sánchez
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  3. Hung-Jen Kuo
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  4. Chia-Chiang Wang
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  5. Michael J. Leahy
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Correspondence to Connie Sung.

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Sung, C., Sánchez, J., Kuo, HJ. et al. Gender Differences in Vocational Rehabilitation Service Predictors of Successful Competitive Employment for Transition-Aged Individuals with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 3204–3218 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2480-z

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