Pillay, Yosheen (2014) Lived Experiences of Workplace Transitions for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Teacher Perceptions. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition increasing in prevalence in Australia (Australia Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2009) impacting the number of future transition-age adolescents seeking employment. Developmental difficulties in social interactions, communication and behaviour are unique to each individual with an ASD diagnosis therefore highly individualised transition planning is necessary to facilitate a seamless transition to the workplace. Drawing on interview data using a qualitative approach, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA; Smith, 1995), this exploratory study sought to examine the experiences of three teachers in facilitating workplace transitions for adolescents with ASD. The analysis produced four key themes: (a) whole of school planning; (b) transition teacher position; (c) parental advocacy; and (d) workplace and school partnerships. Collectively, teacher-participants experienced a sense of advocacy and recognition of student individuality in curriculum differentiation to meet individual strengths and needs. Additionally, teacher-participants perceptions provided further insight into strategic planning at the school and systemic level and perceived employer biases towards adolescents with ASD. Further research is warranted to elucidate strategic policy, planning and resourcing specifically for adolescents with ASD. Future research may seek to include other key voices in the transition process such as parents or adolescents themselves.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology, Counselling and Community (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2014) |
| Supervisors: | Charlotte Brownlow |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Oct 2025 03:14 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Oct 2025 03:14 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Autism Spectrum Disorder; Workplace Transitions; Interpretative; Phenomenological Analysis; |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52667 |
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