Given the wide heterogeneity in the autism population, one challenge for intervention studies is to identify outcome measures that have similar meaning across individuals. This is particularly pronounced in intervention studies of adults with autism spectrum disorder, where outcomes such as employment, independence, or community living are common…

Four drama programmes for at-risk youth run by a community theatre formed the basis for a 9-month participant observation and interview study. This paper focuses on the concept of roles, using this as a lens to explore participants' experiences, and to suggest ways in which taking part in the programmes enabled young people to "be Other"…

This study used a trichotomous achievement goal model to explore and describe what actually happened in terms of students' achievement goals and disruptive behaviors in an after-school physical activity program. Participants included 158 students in grades 3-6. They completed questionnaires assessing their achievement goals and disruptive…

This publication presents the real-life experiences of 32 young people who participated in youth programs that helped guide them to success. The featured young people got themselves organized, developed skills, and took charge of their lives, many of them overcoming major barriers to do so. They were able to get on track because of effective youth…

Factor analysis was used to derive four relatively independent factors or general dimensions of the work experience of economically disadvantaged, urban youth. The factors were named and interpreted as follows: (1) supportive context of job: characteristics referring to supportive aspects of the job, such as friendliness of boss, friendliness of…

This book presents lessons learned after 4 years of Promising and Effective Practices Network (PEPNet), a project of the National Youth Employment Coalition that identifies and promotes criteria of effective practice in youth employment and development. The book, which provides a cumulative summary of all PEPNet programs, is a resource that brings…

This paper presents a study of lower socioeconomic status children who were exposed to a Parent-Child Center stimulation program from infancy to age 3. Center children (N=10) were compared to a control group (N=10) having a group care experience, another control group (N=10) with no prior experience of any kind, and a middle socioeconomic status…

This article presents the 2006 honorees, sponsors, and teams for the Disability Awareness Night[TM]. Disability Awareness Night[TM] is a unique and powerful community outreach program. Its vision is to continue to raise awareness outside of the community of individuals with disabilities to continue the goal that this program will open doors to…

A Morehead State University project field tested the feasibility and utility of a comprehensive vocational training program, the Employability Skills Series of the Adkin Life Skills Program. The study involved nine adult program sites at these levels: adult education/GED (General Education Development training) students, post-GED CETA…