State-Level Variation in Vocational Rehabilitation Service Use and Related Outcomes Among Transition-Age Youth on the Autism Spectrum

Employment outcomes for transition-age youth with autism spectrum disorder (TAY-ASD) following Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services declined between 2002 and 2011; although a few states showed significant progress. We examined inter-state variation in VR service use and outcomes among TAY-ASD in 2014–2016, finding significant differences in the percentage of TAY-ASD who received VR services, entered VR services during secondary school, had timely development of an employment plan, and were employed at VR exit. Inter-state differences remained significant after adjusting for the influence of individual-level demographics and state-level unemployment and fiscal capacity, suggesting other factors influence variation. Future research should monitor whether changes in the VR program, via the 2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, move the needle on VR outcomes for TAY-ASD.