Postsecondary Education Employment and Independent Living Outcomes of Persons with Autism and Intellectual Disability

The aim of this study is to report employment and independent living outcomes of 125 graduates from the Taft College Transition to Independent Living (TIL) program. The TIL program has served students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, since 1995. The TIL program follows graduates from the time of commencement for a period of ten years. The follow-up includes a comprehensive survey of employment and independent living status, social participation, and personal development and growth. Graduates from the classes of 2000 to 2010 reported rates of employment, monthly income, living arrangements, and use of transportation options. The findings of this study suggest that graduates of the TIL program had employment and independent living outcomes that exceeded rates observed in the general population of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). However, the authors caution that the candidates admitted to the program were likely more motivated and prepared than their peers in the general population of persons with ID/DD. Further research that includes matched cohorts and well-designed treatment and control studies is needed to show if and how effective transition programs are in preparing students with ID/DD for employment and community living.