Predictors of employment and job performance in neurodevelopmental disabilities

Catherine Stephan

doi:10.17918/00001108

Difficulties attaining and maintaining employment have been well established in populations with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs). However, less is known about factors that may contribute to successful employment in this population. Thus, the current study sought to characterize a) employment readiness, b) vocational outcomes, and c) malleable cognitive-behavioral characteristics that are associated with both readiness for and engagement in vocational activities in a sample of adults with NDDs (Mage = 32.65 years). Participants with primary diagnoses of intellectual disability (ID; n = 25) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 6) who were currently enrolled in vocational support services with TLC - the Treatment and Learning Center in Rockville, Maryland were included. Although both societal factors and individual differences can impact attainment and maintenance of employment, this study focused on malleable individual differences in cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, namely executive functioning (EF), psychiatric symptomatology, and autism traits. Using the report and ratings of 6 employment specialists of the 33 individuals with NDDs, participants were identified as needing variable levels of support, with most requiring either a low degree (41%) or a moderate degree (36%) of support. Regarding job readiness, a homogenous, profile was found across the domains of Work Habits/Attitudes, Interpersonal Relations, Cognitive Skills, and Work Performance Skills. Notably, the sample's vocational outcomes were found to fall into two groups, those engaging in community based employment (42.4%) and those not engaged in vocational or educational activities of any kind (57.6%). Using t-tests, EF and psychiatric symptomatology were found as clinically (but not statistically) significant predictors of vocational outcomes (i.e., community-employed: yes/no) with moderate effect sizes. Further, using a series of stepwise regressions, EF, and to a lesser degree, psychiatric symptomatology predicted significant variance in skills related to employment readiness. These findings have important clinical implications, as they help to elucidate the current state of employment for individuals with NDDs and serve as a first step in identifying potential novel targets of treatment (i.e., EF and psychiatric symptomatology) to support employment in NDDs.

Predictors of employment and job performance in neurodevelopmental disabilities

Files and links (1)

Abstract

Metrics

Details

Predictors of employment and job performance in neurodevelopmental disabilities

Files and links (1)

Abstract

Metrics

Details

Drexel University Social media