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…

Researchers have suggested that empowered parents may be more helpful successfully transitioning children to formal school. The problem investigated in this basic qualitative study was that educators located in a Southern region of the United States were not empowering parents with the knowledge, skills, and sense of self to become engaged in…

As the number of students on the autism spectrum rises, educational services and social support for this population continue to develop and expand. Parents of those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) receive information, guidance, and support as they work closely with K-12 teachers, therapists, medical professionals, and social service…

The literature review in this doctoral project addresses secondary school transition. The definition of secondary school transition is defined, and the literature review goes over the disproportionate outcomes in post-secondary education and employment when special education students and general education students are compared. Current research is…

The purpose of this study was to collect and explore the stories of Korean immigrant parents of young adults with developmental disabilities as they transition to adulthood and how their attitudes and perceptions of disabilities have an impact on their youths' post-school experiences. Qualitative in-depth interviews with five Korean immigrant…

Data generated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) from the 2010 census indicates that out of four million children born in the United States "approximately 36,500 children will eventually be diagnosed with an [Autism Spectrum Disorder] ASD" ("http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html"). The process of caring for an…

Problem: Transitioning into kindergarten marks an important time in the lives of young children and their families. While many families and teachers participate in transition events little is known about the ways that transition activities actually inform and support key stakeholders. The purpose of this study was to describe district transition…