McCrimmon, AdamCairns, SharonSmith, Amanda2013-09-132013-11-122013-09-132013Smith, A. (2013). Vocational and Personal Independence Training for Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Effectiveness of the Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/28661http://hdl.handle.net/11023/947Currently, there are no specific, validated vocational training programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES; Swisher, Green, & Tollefson, 1999) is a functional vocational skills training tool that teaches and measures vocational potential in individuals with disabilities. This thesis investigated the efficacy of the PAES program in the ASD population, with specific attention paid to vocational and independence training. This project utilized a mixed methods approach to better understand vocational abilities and the relationship between these abilities and cognitive, adaptive, and social skills in ten adolescents and young adults with ASD. Results displayed a statistically significant improvement in vocational skill and behaviour after completing the PAES program. Interviews with parents, facilitators, and attendees highlighted four primary themes: strengths, benefits derived, limitations, and program suggestions. Implications are discussed.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Educational PsychologyAutism Spectrum Disordermaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/28661