Date of Award
5-1-2017
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Educational Leadership
First Advisor
Dr. Kay A. Keiser
Abstract
This qualitative study explored employer practices that enhanced success for employees with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Four employers in the southwestern United States who partnered with Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center participated in the study. Data was collected through individual, indepth interviews with the participants to address four themes that emerged from this study: 1) accommodations that were necessary to enhance the chances of success for an employee with an ASD; 2) positive effects on workplace morale/camaraderie; 3) connections to increased or improved customer relations/satisfaction; 4) How hiring an employee with an ASD has a positive effect on employer’s professional career or personal life. Findings from this study indicate that all of the participants incorporated reasonable accommodations that assisted with the long-term success of the employee. Furthermore, all of the participants experienced some form of positive customer impact, positive employee impact or an increased desire to do more as an employer. The insight this research provides may allow other employers to create supportive work environments for diverse groups of employees while also encouraging employers to establish and nurture relationships with disability agencies and advocacy groups.
Recommended Citation
Stofferahn, Stuart P., "Becoming Independent: Employer Practices that Enhance Success for Employees with an Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2017). Student Work. 3660.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/studentwork/3660
Comments
A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate College of the University of Nebraska in Partial Fulfillment of Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education. Copyright 2017 Stuart P. Stofferahn.