Evaluating a new supported employment internship programme for autistic young adults without intellectual disability

This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.

About the autistic author marker

Ashworth, M., Heasman, B., Crane, L., & Remington, A. (2023). Evaluating a new supported employment internship programme for autistic young adults without intellectual disability. Autism, 28(8), 1934-1946. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231214834

Publication date: 28 Nov 2023 Added to AutiHub: 30 Aug 2026 Type: Article Article language: English

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
4
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 4 (25.0%)

Abstract

Supported employment initiatives have been shown to increase employment rates for autistic people who want to enter the workforce. Despite the success of supported employment initiatives in increasing employment rates, little is known about the first-hand experiences and views of those involved. In the current study, we examined the experiences and views of autistic young adults without intellectual disability (‘interns’), employers and parents regarding a previously unevaluated paid internship scheme that offers tailored support for interns and employers before, during and after the internship, the Employ Autism network. In total, 51 participants (19 interns, 22 employers, 10 parents), across eight internships, engaged in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify three themes, shared across participant groups: (1) the internship was ‘an invaluable experience’, (2) the internship helped break down autism-specific barriers to employment and (3) stakeholder groups had some unmet expectations. Drawing on this multi-informant qualitative evaluation of a novel supported employment scheme, we derive recommendations of best practice for supported employment initiatives for autistic young adults without intellectual disability. Lay abstract Internships designed for autistic people can help them to find employment, but there is little research about the experiences of those involved with internship schemes. To learn more about a new paid internship scheme in the United Kingdom, the Employ Autism network, we interviewed 19 interns, who were autistic young adults without intellectual disability taking part in one of eight different internships. We also interviewed 22 employers (who worked with the interns), and 10 parents (who supported their children in the internship). The interns, employers and parents told us that the Employ Autism network was a valuable experience that helped the interns become more confident. Also, the parents said it helped the interns become more independent. All the groups said the Employ Autism network removed common barriers to employment, and interns and parents said it would help interns get a job in future. Employers and interns said they understood each other better during the internship, and employers said the internship made them think about how their organisations might have accidentally had barriers in place that could stop autistic people getting employed (barriers that they wanted to address in future). However, all groups said some expectations of the internship were not met. These findings suggest the Employ Autism network is helpful for autistic young adults without intellectual disability and employers, but that there are ways that the internships could be improved in future. We discuss the lessons we can learn from the Employ Autism network that might help others who are thinking about setting up, or getting involved in, similar internship schemes.

Bibliography cited by this reference

Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.

Cited bibliography overview

These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 12 Sep 2026 17:34.

Cited references
60
With a DOI
54
Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
5
11 / 60 (18.3%) cited references include at least one author identified as autistic.
References with data to complete
3 / 60 (5.0%)
References with detected author names
57 / 60 (95.0%)
Without detected author names
3
Without a structured title
3
Without a stable identifier
5
References with raw author names still to review
3
References with external metadata lookup issues
0
These indicators apply to cited references displayed on this page, after technical duplicates have been merged. A reference without a DOI can still support author statistics when a title and author names are available.
Author names detected in the cited bibliography
220
From DOI or external metadata
220
From validated raw bibliography text
0
Raw names already validated
0
Raw names still to review
3
91 / 220 (41.4%) names are linked to an author already present in AutiHub. 129 / 220 (58.6%) names are not yet linked.
Names linked to a person identified as autistic
13 / 220 (5.9%)
Calculated across all author names detected in the cited bibliography. Among names linked to an author already present in AutiHub: 13 / 91 (14.3%). Distinct people identified as autistic: 8 / 158 (5.1%).
  1. Carla Willig (2001). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology .
    Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1517190443
    OpenAlex
  2. K.J. Ahern (1999). Ten Tips for Reflexive Bracketing . Qualitative Health Research, 9(3), 407-411. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/104973299129121947
    Crossref OpenCitations
  3. Susie Rutkowski , Maryellen Daston , Debra Van Kuiken , Erin Riehle (2006). Project SEARCH: A demand-side model of high school transition . Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 25(2), 85-96. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.3233/jvr-2006-00345
    Crossref OpenCitations
  4. Jill Hinton Keel , Gary B. Mesibov , Amy V. Woods (1997). TEACCH-Supported Employment Program . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 27(1), 3-9. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  5. Mayumi Arikawa , Hideki Goto , Kazuhito Mineno (2013). Job support by occupational therapists for people with developmental disabilities: Two case studies . WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation, 45(2), 245-251. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  6. Mike Oliver (2013). The social model of disability: thirty years on . Disability & Society, 28(7), 1024-1026. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  7. Maria Ashworth , Brett Heasman *Autistic author. Learn more… , Laura Crane , Anna Remington (2023). Evaluating the Impact of an Online Autism Training on Employers’ Autism Knowledge and Commitment to Inclusion in the Workplace . Center for Open Science.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  8. Megan Hatfield , Marita Falkmer , Torbjorn Falkmer , Marina Ciccarelli (2017). “Leaps of faith”: parents' and professionals' viewpoints on preparing adolescents on the autism spectrum for leaving school . Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 17(3), 187-197. Wiley.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  9. Patricia Howlin , Jennifer Alcock , Catherine Burkin (2005). An 8 year follow-up of a specialist supported employment service for high-ability adults with autism or Asperger syndrome . Autism, 9(5), 533-549. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  10. Mary Baker-Ericzen , Roxanne ElShamy , Rebecca R. Kammes (2022). Current Status of Evidence-Based Practices to Enhance Employment Outcomes for Transition Age Youth and Adults on the Autism Spectrum . Current Psychiatry Reports, 24(3), 161-170. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  11. Virginia Braun , Victoria Clarke (2022). Thematic analysis: A practical guide . QMiP Bulletin, 1(33), 46-50. British Psychological Society.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  12. Mark Romoser (2000). Malemployment in Autism . Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 15(4), 246-247. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  13. Susanna Baldwin , Debra Costley , Anthony Warren (2014). Employment Activities and Experiences of Adults with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Disorder . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(10), 2440-2449. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  14. Rebecca L. Flower , Darren Hedley , Jennifer R. Spoor , Cheryl Dissanayake (2019). An alternative pathway to employment for autistic job-seekers: a case study of a training and assessment program targeted to autistic job candidates . Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 71(3), 407-428. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  15. Melissa H. Black , Soheil Mahdi , Ben Milbourn , Melissa Scott , Alan H. Gerber , Christopher Esposito et al. (2020). Multi‐informant International Perspectives on the Facilitators and Barriers to Employment for Autistic Adults . Autism Research, 13(7), 1195-1214. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/aur.2288 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3011899039
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  16. Emeline Han , Katrina Scior , Eric Heath , Kana Grace *Autistic author. Learn more… , Laura Crane (2023). Development of stigma-related support for autistic adults: Insights from the autism community . Autism, 27(6), 1676-1689. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  17. Virginia Braun , Victoria Clarke (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology . Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  18. Darren Hedley , Mirko Uljarević , Mirko Uljarević , David F. E. Hedley , David F. E. Hedley (2017). Employment and Living with Autism: Personal, Social and Economic Impact . In Inclusion, Disability and Culture (pp. 295-311). Springer International Publishing.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  19. Virginia Braun , Victoria Clarke (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis . Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589-597. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  20. Lynn Mawhood , Patricia Howlin (1999). The Outcome of a Supported Employment Scheme for High-Functioning Adults with Autism or Asperger Syndrome . Autism, 3(3), 229-254. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  21. Noah J. Sasson , Daniel J. Faso , Jack Nugent , Sarah Lovell , Daniel P. Kennedy , Ruth B. Grossman (2017). Neurotypical Peers are Less Willing to Interact with Those with Autism based on Thin Slice Judgments . Scientific Reports, 7(1), 40700. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  22. Diana B. Burt , S. Paige Fuller , Kay R. Lewis (1991). Brief report: Competitive employment of adults with autism . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 21(2), 237-242. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  23. Sloane Burgess , Robert E. Cimera (2014). Employment Outcomes of Transition-Aged Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A State of the States Report . American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 119(1), 64-83. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  24. Carol M. Schall , Paul Wehman , Valerie Brooke , Carolyn Graham , Jennifer McDonough , Alissa Brooke et al. (2015). Employment Interventions for Individuals with ASD: The Relative Efficacy of Supported Employment With or Without Prior Project SEARCH Training . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(12), 3990-4001. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  25. Julie Taylor , Marsha Mailick Seltzer (2011). Employment and Post-Secondary Educational Activities for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders During the Transition to Adulthood . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(5), 566-574. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  26. James I. Charlton (1998). Nothing About Us Without Us . University of California Press.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  27. Jennifer Chen , Ellen S Cohn , Gael I Orsmond (2019). Parents’ future visions for their autistic transition-age youth: Hopes and expectations . Autism, 23(6), 1363-1372. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  28. Ashleigh Hillier , Heather Campbell , Karen Mastriani , Margo Vreeburg Izzo , Andrea K. Kool-Tucker , Laura Cherry et al. (2007). Two-Year Evaluation of a Vocational Support Program for Adults on the Autism Spectrum . Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 30(1), 35-47. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  29. Laura Crane , Fern Adams , Georgia Harper , Jack Welch , Elizabeth Pellicano (2019). ‘Something needs to change’: Mental health experiences of young autistic adults in England . Autism, 23(2), 477-493. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  30. Laura Crane , Jade Davies , Anne Fritz , Sarah O’Brien *Autistic author. Learn more… , Alison Worsley , Anna Remington (2022). Autistic young people’s experiences of transitioning to adulthood following the Children and Families Act 2014 . British Educational Research Journal, 48(1), 22-48. Wiley.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  31. Lorelli S. Nowell , Jill M. Norris , Deborah E. White , Nancy J. Moules (2017). Thematic Analysis . International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1). SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  32. Paul Wehman , Carol Schall , Jennifer McDonough , Alissa Molinelli , Erin Riehle , Whitney Ham et al. (2013). Project SEARCH for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders . Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 15(3), 144-155. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  33. Serena Cribb , Lorcan Kenny , Elizabeth Pellicano (2019). ‘I definitely feel more in control of my life’: The perspectives of young autistic people and their parents on emerging adulthood . Autism, 23(7), 1765-1781. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  34. Dawn R. Hendricks , Paul Wehman (2009). Transition From School to Adulthood for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders . Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 24(2), 77-88. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  35. Kathryn J. Ahern (1999). Ten Tips for Reflexive Bracketing . Qualitative Health Research, 9(3), 407-411. SAGE Publications.
    OpenAlex OpenCitations
  36. Paul Wehman , Carol M Schall , Jennifer McDonough , Carolyn Graham , Valerie Brooke , J Erin Riehle et al. (2017). Effects of an employer-based intervention on employment outcomes for youth with significant support needs due to autism . Autism, 21(3), 276-290. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  37. Emeline Han , Katrina Scior , Kana Grace *Autistic author. Learn more… , Eric Loveland Heath , Simone Dufresne , Laura Crane (2024). ‘Who, When, How to Share’: Pilot study of a new disclosure decision-making programme for autistic adults . Autism, 28(8), 2090-2104. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  38. Darren Hedley , Mirko Uljarević , Lauren Cameron , Santoshi Halder , Amanda Richdale , Cheryl Dissanayake (2017). Employment programmes and interventions targeting adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of the literature . Autism, 21(8), 929-941. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  39. Laura Hull , K.V. Petrides , Carrie Allison , Paula Smith , Simon Baron-Cohen , Meng-Chuan Lai et al. (2017). “Putting on My Best Normal”: Social Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(8), 2519-2534. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  40. Noah J. Sasson , Kerrianne E Morrison (2019). First impressions of adults with autism improve with diagnostic disclosure and increased autism knowledge of peers . Autism, 23(1), 50-59. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  41. Alice Turnock , Kate Langley , Catherine R.G. Jones (2022). Understanding Stigma in Autism: A Narrative Review and Theoretical Model . Autism in Adulthood, 4(1), 76-91. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  42. Anna Remington , Elizabeth Pellicano (2019). Sometimes you just need someone to take a chance on you’: An internship programme for autistic graduates at Deutsche Bank, UK. Journal of Management&Organization, 25(4), 516. Cambridge University Press (CUP).
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  43. Eve Müller , Adriana Schuler , Barbara A. Burton , Gregory B. Yates (2003). Meeting the vocational support needs of individuals with Asperger Syndrome and other autism spectrum disabilities . Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 18(3), 163-175. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenCitations
  44. Kerrianne E Morrison , Kilee M. DeBrabander , Daniel J Faso , Noah J. Sasson (2019). Variability in first impressions of autistic adults made by neurotypical raters is driven more by characteristics of the rater than by characteristics of autistic adults . Autism, 23(7), 1817-1829. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  45. Elinda Ai Lim Lee , Melissa H. Black , Tele Tan , Torbjorn Falkmer , Sonya Girdler (2019). “I’m Destined to Ace This”: Work Experience Placement During High School for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(8), 3089-3101. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  46. Paul Wehman , Carol Schall , Jennifer McDonough , Adam Sima , Alissa Brooke , Whitney Ham et al. (2020). Competitive Employment for Transition-Aged Youth with Significant Impact from Autism: A Multi-site Randomized Clinical Trial . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(6), 1882-1897. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  47. Damian Milton *Autistic author. Learn more… , Brett Heasman *Autistic author. Learn more… , Elizabeth Sheppard (2020). Double Empathy . In Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders (pp. 1-9). Springer New York.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  48. Anna Melissa Romualdez , Katie Yirrell , Anna Remington (2020). Exploring Participants’ Views on a Supported Work Internship Program for Autistic and Learning Disabled Young People . International Journal of Disability Management, 15. Cambridge University Press (CUP).
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  49. National Autistic Society. (2016). The autism employment gap. https://www.autism.org.uk/about/health/hospital-passport.aspx
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  50. National Institute for Health Research. (2016). Policy on payment of fees and expenses for members of the public actively involved with INVOLVE. https://www.invo.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/INVOLVE-internal-payment-policy-2016-final-1.pdf
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  51. Office for National Statistics. (2022). Outcomes for disabled people in the UK. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/disability/articles/outcomesfordisabledpeopleintheuk/2021
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  52. Anna Melissa Romualdez , Zachary Walker , Anna Remington (2021). Autistic adults’ experiences of diagnostic disclosure in the workplace: Decision-making and factors associated with outcomes . Autism & Developmental Language Impairments, 6, 23969415211022955. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  53. Wechsler D. (2011). Wechsler abbreviated scale of intelligence‐second edition (WASI‐II) . Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Second Edition (WASI-II).
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  54. Willig C. (2013). Introducing qualitative research in psychology . Introducing qualitative research in psychology.
    Type: Other
    Crossref