Parent`s view on employment issues faced by Malaysian young adult with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) / Nur Hidayah Mohamed Ibrahim

Unemployment among Young Adults (YAs) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become an alarming trend internationally and even more prevalent in Malaysia. Based on the Ministry of Health (MOH) report on the use of Modified Checklist of ASD (M-CHAT) in 2014, the prevalence of ASD was reported at approximately 1.6 in 1000 children. However, the reported cases are assumed to be lower than the actual number due to the absence of ASD sub categories in the National Registry of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Nevertheless, parents of this sub-category have been facing with financial struggles and emotional challenges due to their children`s employability issues. Unfortunately, to date their real experiences have not been made known and remained uncomprehend. Hence, there is a dire need to undertake this study. The primary aim of this study is therefore to explore the employment issues faced by Malaysian YAs with ASD from parent`s viewpoint. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed via semi-structured interviews where 8 participants were recruited through the Purposive Sampling method of collecting data. Each interview lasted between 30 minutes to an hour where their opinions were digitally recorded and then transcribed into verbatim. Data were analysed using the Thematic Analysis and three themes emerged (i) ASD symptomatology (ii) Contextual Challenges and (iii) Parenting Behaviour. Consequently, this study suggests that employment requirements should take into account the YAs with ASD abilities, their life and employable skills, parents' expectations, employers’ awareness and acceptance, and the socio-ecology factors. Indeed, these are vital in formulating inclusive governmental policy and practice as regards YAs with ASD. Hence, results from this study may be utilised in assisting policy makers in planning relevant facilities and training to raise employability among YAs with ASD and finally equip them to be ready to enter the Malaysian job market.