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Article
Storying Transition-to-Work for/and Youth on the Autism Spectrum in the United States: A Critical Construct Synthesis of Academic Literature
Disability & Society
  • Jennifer R. Wolgemuth, University of South Florida
  • Vonzell Agosto, University of South Florida
  • Gary Y.H. Lam, University of South Florida
  • Michael W. Riley, University of South Florida
  • Roderick Jones, University of South Florida
  • Tyler Hicks, University of Kansas
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2016
Keywords
  • Autism,
  • work,
  • social construction,
  • systematic review,
  • transition
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2016.1205474
Abstract

We explored how academic literature constructs the ‘worker with autism.’ Drawing on a systematic review of transition to work for youth with disabilities, we analyzed how 17 articles constructed ‘autism,’ ‘work,’ and the ‘worker with autism.’ We identified two argumentative approaches: the intervention story and the complex story. Intervention stories centered autism as a problem in need of treatment and work as a simple, positive endeavor. Complex stories offered various and more positive accounts of autism alongside broader notions of work. We recommend that academics experiment with writing which expands work (and career) possibilities for youth situated on the autism spectrum.

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Disability & Society, v. 31, issue 6, p. 777-797

Citation Information
Jennifer R. Wolgemuth, Vonzell Agosto, Gary Y.H. Lam, Michael W. Riley, et al.. "Storying Transition-to-Work for/and Youth on the Autism Spectrum in the United States: A Critical Construct Synthesis of Academic Literature" Disability & Society Vol. 31 Iss. 6 (2016) p. 777 - 797
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jennifer-wolgemuth/23/