The Effect of a Career Development Program for Individuals with ASD: A Hope-Action Theory Perspective
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| Title: | The Effect of a Career Development Program for Individuals with ASD: A Hope-Action Theory Perspective |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Hyung Joon Yoon (ORCID |
| Source: | New Horizons in Adult Education & Human Resource Development. 2026 38(2):161-175. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Autism Spectrum Disorders, Career Development, Foreign Countries, Employment Opportunities, Well Being, Daily Living Skills, Program Effectiveness, Employment Level, Positive Attitudes |
| Geographic Terms: | Canada |
| DOI: | 10.1177/19394225251409523 |
| ISSN: | 1939-4225 |
| Abstract: | Through the lens of Hope-Action Theory (HAT), this study explores a career development program, Employment"Works" Canada (EWC), offered to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that utilizes an ecosystem approach to increase their employment opportunities. This study investigated the influence of the program on the participants' employment, well-being, life skills, and hope-action competencies. Findings confirmed the positive effects of this career development program. The employment status of participants prior to the start of the program and 3 months after program completion increased from 14% to 38%. In addition, positive changes were noted in relation to the participants' "well-being," "life skills," and "hope-action competencies" such as "hopefulness," "self-clarity," "goal setting and planning," "implementing," and "adapting." This study also confirmed that the results were aligned with the content addressed during the program. By reviewing EWC through the lens of HAT, and by measuring the impact using the Hope-Action Inventory, this study provides suggestions that can further enhance the program. Implications for human resource development (HRD) research and practice are discussed along with the limitations of the study and future recommendations. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1503957 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Through the lens of Hope-Action Theory (HAT), this study explores a career development program, Employment"Works" Canada (EWC), offered to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that utilizes an ecosystem approach to increase their employment opportunities. This study investigated the influence of the program on the participants' employment, well-being, life skills, and hope-action competencies. Findings confirmed the positive effects of this career development program. The employment status of participants prior to the start of the program and 3 months after program completion increased from 14% to 38%. In addition, positive changes were noted in relation to the participants' "well-being," "life skills," and "hope-action competencies" such as "hopefulness," "self-clarity," "goal setting and planning," "implementing," and "adapting." This study also confirmed that the results were aligned with the content addressed during the program. By reviewing EWC through the lens of HAT, and by measuring the impact using the Hope-Action Inventory, this study provides suggestions that can further enhance the program. Implications for human resource development (HRD) research and practice are discussed along with the limitations of the study and future recommendations. |
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| ISSN: | 1939-4225 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/19394225251409523 |
