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|a RC553.A88 H38 2009_HaysMarilyn |2 BU-Local |
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|a Blueprint for meaningful employment : adults with autism spectrum disorders and their circles of support |h [electronic resource]. |
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|a Miami, Fla. : |b Barry University, |c 2009. |
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|a xiv, 242 leaves : |b ill., charts ; |c 28 cm |
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|a Barry University Dissertations -- School of Education. |
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|a Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2009. |
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|a Includes bibliographical references (leaves 185-204). |
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|a Copyright Marilyn F. Hays. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder. |
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|a Purpose: The purpose of this research project was to investigate the key factors that captured the dynamics between the high functioning adults with autism and Asperger Syndrome (HFA) who were meaningfully employed and their professional circles of support in the education field or the business field, along with circles of support within the family system and how these relationships led toward better outcomes. Method: The method for this study utilized a qualitative grounded theory research design. Many researchers considered grounded theory research design as a process of examining social phenomena, the social world, or social situations in order to gain a deeper understanding of their participants’ perspectives through their interactions with them. The ultimate purpose of this type of research was to go through the process of coding the data to form major themes that became evident as each case was studied, leading to a substantive theory. Therefore, with this in mind, grounded theory methods were appropriate to give voice to the HFA individuals as to the factors relating to their acquisition of meaningful employment and, subsequently, hear the voices of the professional and familial circles of support and the roles they played. Major Findings: The HFA participants all spoke in positive terms of their experiences of meaningful employment, although some of these experiences occurred in their past work. The findings revolved around three core categories: People Skills, Support, and Abilities aligned with their Interests. People skills were key to the HFA participants’ acquisition and maintenance of their jobs. They either had to already have some people skills or be willing to learn them. The second core category, support, explained the major ways the circles of support assisted the HFA individuals, such as working together with them to better understand their need for certain skills. Some examples included adding to their repertoire of people skills, along with practical skills, and the means of dealing with the intricacies that arose frequently on many jobsites. During this process, relationships were formed and grew, and there was more of a sense of collaboration. The last category, abilities aligned with interests, is believed by many researchers that HFA individuals become more motivated in their work if their interests are somehow integrated. All participants had a strong sense of the work ethic and felt confidence and pride in a job well done. These results taken together offer many ideas regarding ways to improve the situation and areas of further research. |
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|a Electronic reproduction. |c Barry University, |d 2020. |f (Barry University Digital Collections) |n Mode of access: World Wide Web. |n System requirements: Internet connectivity; Web browser software. |
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|a Barry University Archives and Special Collections. |
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|a People with mental disabilities |x Employment. |
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|a Barry University Digital Collections. |
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|a Theses and Dissertations. |
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|a BUDC |c Theses and Dissertations |
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|u http://sobekcmsrv.barrynet.barry.edu/AA00001460/00001 |y Click here for full text |
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|a https:/budc.barry.edu/content/AA/00/00/14/60/00001/RC553_A88 H38 2009_HaysMarilynthm.jpg |
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|a Theses and Dissertations |
