Preliminary efficacy of a transition training program for autistic adolescents

Purpose: Young autistic adults experience poor transition outcomes in the area of employment. With reduced opportunities to develop work skills, there are also reduced opportunities for socialization, independence and experiences of success. Thus, there is a need for transition planning programs for autistic adolescents and youth. Method: This pilot study employed two complementary methodologies. A non-concurrent multiple baseline study using a visual analog scale (VAS) as the repeated measure was employed. Pre post measures were also collected from the parent participant and student participants' perspective using two standardized measures. The thirteen student participants, age 12-18 years all had a diagnosis of autism. Seven parent and 6 adolescents completed the pretest and posttest measures. The Project FUSE, Fostering Unlimited Success and Empowerment intervention program was a collaboration between two organizations, designed to build skills in the workplace, while also addressing sensory processing, arousal regulation and establishing productive relationships. Visual analogResults: The three VAS questions most sensitive to change were related to prideful behavior, developing work skills and safety in tool use. There was no significant change in the Transition Behavior Scale: Third Edition. The Culture Free Self Esteem Inventories, Third Edition showed significant, meaningful change in the Global Self Esteem Quotient, and Academic Self -Esteem.Conclusion: Project FUSE was found to be a potentially efficacious method for developing pre-employment skills in autistic youth. The data suggest that the programming had a positive influence on developing work skills, tool safety, and selfesteem.