Purpose

The purpose of this scale up study is to evaluate whether CIE in high school increases the likelihood of obtaining CIE and improving community engagement in adulthood for individuals with autism and related conditions. Despite the goal of full participation in the American Dream, these individuals often face low employment rates. With appropriate support, this can change. Evidence shows that early work experience improves the chances of adult CIE. This study aims to determine if high school CIE can lead to quicker and richer CIE outcomes in adulthood.

Overview

In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), students aged 18-22 with autism or related conditions in their final year of high school will be assigned either to a treatment group receiving CIE services or to a control group receiving standard high school-based transition services. This RCT aims to determine if providing CIE during high school improves employment outcomes and community engagement in adulthood for youth with autism and related conditions, including intellectual disabilities (ID) and/or multiple disabilities (MD). The study will take place in three school divisions in Virginia (see commitment letters): Loudoun County, Stafford County, and Norfolk Public Schools, which serve predominantly diverse student bodies from rural, suburban, and urban areas. This diversity enhances the study's generalizability.