Autism Spectrum Disorder Case Study

Employment is an important part of adult life. Work occupations give structure and create routine. They teach and develop valuable life skills that directly and indirectly relate to a job. For example, an occupational therapist may be trained in range of motion (ROM) techniques, but in practice will work on his or her communication skills and critical thinking when explaining to a client what ROM is and how it helps them specifically. Work occupations can also facilitate social interaction and open opportunities for group leisure activities, such as grabbing lunch together. Being employed provides a source of income, which supports an individual’s activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). These can …show more content…
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and depression each create their own challenges for an individual. Hendricks (2010) found some common challenges associated with ASD are social and communication difficulties, trouble with social interactions, impairments in cognitive functioning, behavioral difficulties, and comorbid diagnoses. Examples of these challenges may include difficulty reading facial expressions and tone; inappropriate hygiene and grooming skills; impairments in executive functioning, motor planning, attention, and acclimating to new routine and change; bouts of tantrums and aggression; high levels of anxiety due to sensory overload; and common comorbidities of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Depression, like ASD, creates challenging situations that must be overcome by the individual. Wisenthal and Krupa (2013) noted the impacts of depression on health, functioning, life satisfaction and overall self-esteem. In addition to depression's normal symptoms of decreased energy, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, depression can also affect the "cognitive skills required to assume job duties and meet work demands, the coping skills required to manage work-related stress and deal with interpersonal issues, and the overall stamina and functional ability to adopt a work routine and adhere to a work schedule" (Wisenthal & Krupa, 2013, p. 424). Occupational therapists and other …show more content…
Interventions at many levels are available to assist people with ASD or depression to function in a work setting. There are many supports available for individuals with ASD. Wisenthal and Krupa (2013) found that effective vocational support can be provided through job placement, supervisors and co-workers, on the-job provisions, workplace modifications, and long-term supports. When considering job placement, a job for a person with ASD should have clearly defined tasks that are appropriate, predictable and adaptable to a schedule, to be performed in an area with minimal distractions that is void of excessive sensory stimuli. Once a placement has been assigned, work modifications can be made to create the optimal environment. Information sessions on working with people with autism educates coworkers on how to create an environment everyone can work in. Long-term supports can include external supports, where a supported employment staff comes into the workplace to assist the individual with ASD, or natural supports, where employees or supervisors are trained and assist the individual with ASD. Just as the challenges of ASD and depression differ, so too do the type of help required. When people can no longer work due to their depression, they often go on medical leave and collect disability benefits. One intervention strategy that helps people with depression