The Effect of a Career Development Program for Individuals with ASD: A Hope-Action Theory Perspective

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.