This project study focused on the inconsistencies in transition planning for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by teachers serving as transition education designees (TEDs) in a specific local region of a southern state. Guided by Schlossberg's transition theory, the purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the perceptions…

The number of children being identified as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasing, and with this increase, the number of adolescents needing post-secondary transition services has increased. Many adolescents with ASD have needs related to employment, and educators are in need of effective employment related interventions for…

The purpose of this case study was to explore the transitional process and support systems for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) matriculating at institutions of higher education without formalized ASD-support programs. Students with ASD experience increased transitional challenges as they begin their college careers due to their…

The transition to adulthood is a significant step in every individual's life. Specifically, for individuals with disabilities, the transition process requires targeted planning for specific adulthood outcomes (e.g., employment, higher education, living skills, social skills, and community preferences). As such, parent and professional voices and…

High school students are currently transitioning out of an autism program at the author's school, without functional life skills. This impacts their ability to live independently and reduces their employment opportunities. Life skills are "skills or tasks that contribute to the successful, independent functioning of an individual in…

Autistic individuals have numerous strengths that are valuable in work settings (e.g., attention to detail, punctuality, low absenteeism, high work quality, strong work ethic, trustworthiness, loyalty). Yet, when compared to neurotypical peers, many autistic individuals continue to have difficulty securing, maintaining, and advancing in…

The unemployment rate for autistic young adults after high school graduation is higher than for all other populations with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires transition planning as part of an individualized education plan (IEP) starting no later than age 16. There is evidence, however, that autistic…

The purpose of this basic qualitative research study was to explore how secondary transition teachers make postsecondary transition programming decisions and how their firsthand experiences inform the transition process for students with autism without a comorbid intellectual disability. There is a need for additional research that helps identify…

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder impacting social interaction and communication skills. ASD can cause restrictive or repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities, with associated challenges and co-morbidities that often carry over into adulthood. These can limit opportunities for higher education, socialization,…

The emergence of college autism transition programs, aimed to support students' needs and leverage their strengths, is illuminating the rise of autistic students in academia. Raising acceptance of autistic college students, and truly understanding their experiences in navigating higher education, has been minimally addressed. Even more, few…

Coordination of special education prekindergarten (PK) to kindergarten (K) transition programming for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents significant changes for students within inclusive school environments. The problem addressed by this basic qualitative study involved barriers, challenges, supports, and successes in the…

The planning and implementation of effective transition services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have emerged as crucial aspects of middle school special education. This action research study examines the impact of professional development and collaborative practices on improving transition services for middle school students with…

This study examined how faculty who teach in specialized undergraduate programs for autistic college students approach self-advocacy teaching. Test et al.'s (2005) conceptual framework of self-advocacy was used as a lens to investigate this topic. Through ten semi-structured interviews (faculty in specialized college autism programs), ten themes…

For students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and comorbid Intellectual Disability (ASD/ID), effective post-secondary transition services are vital. Despite the research-supported transition success of many individuals with ASD, there is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of suitable supports for those with a comorbid ID. When considering young…

This qualitative study explored the processes utilized by secondary special education teachers as they plan and execute transition planning and/or goal setting for college-bound students with high incidence disabilities (HID), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and specific learning…