The aim of the research project is to conduct evidence-based research on a nationally known vocational rehabilitation (VR) service model (Project Search) for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This information may be useful to high schools and vocational rehabilitation agencies that endeavor to use evidence based practices to serve individuals with ASD.

Autism is recognized to be a "complex disorder" as well as "a spectrum of disorders" that includes Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified. Diagnostic criteria for autism focus on impairments affecting socialization, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. The number of high school students diagnosed with autism, for example, has been increasing over time with almost 194,000 students ages 6 through 21 nationwide identified as having autism and receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These young people create a significant need for vocational rehabilitation intervention in the decade ahead. Currently many persons with ASD continue to be. Howlin, et al. (2004) described the outcomes for 68 young adults with ASD (mean age 29), and found that a third worked and almost half were unemployed. RSA notes that in 2005 fewer than 2000 individuals with ASD received VR services. In Virginia the figure is only 255 total clients enrolled from between 2000 and 2007.

In this project the investigators will conduct a randomized clinical trial which examines the impact of intensive community-based work experiences on the employment outcomes of youth with ASD. This study will test the efficacy of a nationally recognized model of an employer based employment training and placement program (Project SEARCH) for youth with ASD. Four dependent measures will be investigated: (1) employment status upon completion of the program, at 90 days post completion and 12 months post completion (primary), (2) wage upon completion, at 90 days post completion, and 12 months post completion (secondary), (3) number of hours worked per week (secondary) upon completion, at 90 days post completion and 12 months post completion. Three specific hypotheses are proposed, and (4) intensity of supports needed at work at completion, at 90 days post completion and 12 months post completion.

Hypothesis I: Individuals who participate in an employer based employment training and placement program will demonstrate a higher rate of employment than those in the control condition.

Hypothesis II: Individuals who participate in an employer based employment training and placement program will earn higher wages on average at project completion compared to those in the control condition.

Hypothesis III: Individuals who participate in an employer based employment training and placement program will work more hours per week on average than those in the control condition.

Hypothesis IV: Individuals who participate in an employer based employment training and placement program will require less intensive work support than those in the control condition.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Being a student in the local public school where the research was being conducted,
2. Having an ASD medical diagnosis and/or educational eligibility,
3. Displaying independent self-care,
4. Being able to provide consent or assent,
5. Having funding for supported employment through VR, and
6. Having continued eligibility for public school educational services in the coming school year.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Life threatening or dangerously severe aggressive or destructive behavior
2. History of fire setting
3. History of substance abuse