Analyzing the inclusion of autism spectrum disorder in rehabilitation counseling journals 2000-2012: Implications for service delivery

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control (2015) indicate that cases of autism spectrum disorder have risen over the past several years, and in the U.S. a new case of autism is identified almost every 20 minutes. As individuals get older and transition out of school, the question becomes, are they entering adult services and is the field of rehabilitation counseling addressing issues related to this population. METHODS: A content analysis of six rehabilitation counseling journals from 2000 thru 2012 was conducted to determine the extent to which autism was addressed. CONCLUSION: The analysis identified the prevalence of autism articles, theme content category, if the article was empirical or non-empirical, and deficits in the literature. Of the 1,769 articles, 22 addressed autism, with the greatest number being published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the most frequently occurring theme being employment.