USE OF THE SUPPORTS INTENSITY SCALE WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH ASPERGER'S SYNDROME RESULTS IN SUCCESSFUL SUMMER JOB PLACEMENTS

Link: Supports Intensity Scale

The use of the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) with 40 individuals ages 16-21 with Asperger's syndrome to assess support needs required to successfully place them in summer jobs, has resulted in a dramatic decrease in support needs in the areas of employability and social skills after the 8-week duration of the program.

This pilot program was conducted by the Children's Services Council of Broward County, Florida in conjunction with Work Force One. The project demonstrates that given the right kinds of supports, which can include assigning a full-time job coach or providing verbal instructions to perform certain activities, for example, skill levels of the individual increased over the 8-week period, and support levels consequently decreased.

Says Dr. Herm Fishbein of the Children's Services Council, "Instead of the usual summer camp, this pilot program with SIS gave kids a chance to explore real career opportunities and pick up valuable employment and social skills in real life situations."

The Supports Intensity Scale is a planning tool that is based on the premise that providing appropriate daily, medical, and behavioral supports to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities enhances the functioning of an individual over time.