Integration in the Vocational World: How Does It Affect Quality of Life and Subjective Well-Being of Young Adults with ASD

Eynat Gal, Efrat Selanikyo, Asnat Bar-Haim Erez and Noomi Katz
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Eynat Gal: Occupational Therapy Department, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel
Efrat Selanikyo: Ono Academic College, Occupational Therapy Department, Research Institute for Health and Medical Professions, Kiryat Ono 55000, Israel
Asnat Bar-Haim Erez: Ono Academic College, Occupational Therapy Department, Research Institute for Health and Medical Professions, Kiryat Ono 55000, Israel
Noomi Katz: Ono Academic College, Occupational Therapy Department, Research Institute for Health and Medical Professions, Kiryat Ono 55000, Israel

IJERPH, 2015, vol. 12, issue 9, 1-13

Abstract: This study aimed to assess whether the perception of quality of life (QOL) and subjective well-being (SWB) of young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is affected by participation in a comprehensive program. Participants included 25 young adults with ASD who participated in the “Roim Rachok Program” (RRP), where they were trained to become aerial photography interpreters. Following the training period, they served in a designated army unit where they practiced their newly acquired profession. The participants filled out two questionnaires, (a) Quality of Life (QOL-Q) and (b) Personal Well-being Index (PWI), at three points of the intervention: (a) before the course, (b) at the end of the course, and (c) six months after integrating in the designated army unit. Wilcoxon signed ranks tests were used to assess the differences between the reported QOL and SWB at the three points of time. The results suggest that there were no significant differences at the end of the course, compared to its beginning. However, there were significantly improved perception of QOL and SWB during the period between the end of the course and six months after starting work. The results of this study highlight the importance of tailored vocational programs that are adapted to the unique needs and strengths of individuals with ASD.

Keywords: quality of life; well-being; work; autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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