"BottegaMente": An Italian program of internship for people with autism spectrum disorder.
Adaptive functioning
Autism spectrum disorders
Behavioral problems
Employment
Quality of life
Journal
Research in developmental disabilities
ISSN: 1873-3379
Titre abrégé: Res Dev Disabil
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 8709782
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
29 Oct 2024
29 Oct 2024
Historique:
received:
24
04
2024
revised:
04
10
2024
accepted:
11
10
2024
medline:
31
10
2024
pubmed:
31
10
2024
entrez:
30
10
2024
Statut:
aheadofprint
Résumé
Transitioning into adulthood can be challenging for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Work is one of the most enduring and impactful aspects of adult life, as it plays a key role in helping people find meaning. However, research on the effectiveness of pre-employment programs in improving the health and well-being of autistic adolescents and young adults remains limited. This exploratory study aims to assess the impact of a nationwide internship program, "BottegaMente", on the adaptive functioning, emotion regulation, and quality of life of autistic teens, adults, and their families. The program involved 82 participants, aged 13-36, and required active family involvement to ensure it addressed the needs of autistic individuals from the planning stages through implementation. Quantitative data were collected before (T0) and after the internship (T1). Our study demonstrated that the internship effectively enhanced adaptive skills, particularly in areas like home life and work skills for autistic adolescents and adults, as reflected by standardized outcomes at T1 compared to T0. This research is one of the pioneering efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-employment internship programs for autistic adolescents and adults. Although preliminary, these findings could help to shape future studies on employment, an essential factor for overall quality of life and well-being.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Transitioning into adulthood can be challenging for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Work is one of the most enduring and impactful aspects of adult life, as it plays a key role in helping people find meaning. However, research on the effectiveness of pre-employment programs in improving the health and well-being of autistic adolescents and young adults remains limited. This exploratory study aims to assess the impact of a nationwide internship program, "BottegaMente", on the adaptive functioning, emotion regulation, and quality of life of autistic teens, adults, and their families.
METHOD
METHODS
The program involved 82 participants, aged 13-36, and required active family involvement to ensure it addressed the needs of autistic individuals from the planning stages through implementation. Quantitative data were collected before (T0) and after the internship (T1).
RESULTS
RESULTS
Our study demonstrated that the internship effectively enhanced adaptive skills, particularly in areas like home life and work skills for autistic adolescents and adults, as reflected by standardized outcomes at T1 compared to T0.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
This research is one of the pioneering efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-employment internship programs for autistic adolescents and adults. Although preliminary, these findings could help to shape future studies on employment, an essential factor for overall quality of life and well-being.
Identifiants
pubmed: 39476430
pii: S0891-4222(24)00191-4
doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104859
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
104859Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that no competing financial interests and no conflicts of interest exist. The project was designed by ACSI and funded by the MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL POLICIES. Notice no. 1/2017 for the financing of initiatives and projects of significant national interest pursuant to art. 72 of Decreto Legislativo 3 July 2017, n. 117.