In the fall of 2019, Ohio’s Interagency Work Group on Autism (IWGA) conducted a survey of young adults with autism and/or other special health care needs (i.e., diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, etc.) who had recently exited high school.
The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition has identified predictors of post-school success, things that can be done in high school to increase the likelihood youth will further their education, get and keep a job, and live more independently. While Ohio’s response rate was low, data from the IWGA survey supports these predictors. Specifically, the survey highlighted two key predictors: work experience and self-determination (as evidenced by IEP participation). A few highlights of the survey include:
- Students with work experience in high school were significantly more likely to pursue additional training or education, have a job currently and experience success finding and keeping a job.
- Students who actively participated in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings were more likely to go to college or get additional training after high school, look for a job, and/or be working.
- Of those students surveyed who had no work experience in high school: 70% did not pursue additional education or training; 80% did not get a job after high school; and 75% still don’t have a job.
- Only 50% of students not actively participating in their IEP meetings have looked for a job.
More results can be found here. The survey also asked questions about access to medical care and insurance, which will be shared in future issues of OCALI Now.
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