"Setting Them Up for Success": Including Youth on the Autism Spectrum in 4-H.
Carolyn E B McCormick, Veronika Peskova, Abby Morgan, Emily Carlson, Rose A Mason
Author Information
Carolyn E B McCormick: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
Veronika Peskova: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
Abby Morgan: Purdue Extension, Montgomery County, Crawfordsville, IN, United States.
Emily Carlson: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
Rose A Mason: Department of Educational Studies, College of Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
Youth on the Autism Spectrum often face challenges accessing services in rural communities compared to those who live in higher resource areas. There is a particular need for services that support skills that will help youth transition to adulthood and future employment. 4-H is a national youth development program that is well-positioned to address the needs of youth on the Autism Spectrum; however, minimal empirical evidence exists about the implementation and effectiveness of inclusive practices in 4-H programs. The goal of this study was to better understand barriers to enrollment and to identify gaps in support for youth on the Autism Spectrum participating in 4-H. Twenty Extension Educators in Indiana participated in two focus groups. Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts identified barriers to enrollment including awareness of 4-H as an inclusive program and difficulties navigating 4-H culture. Our analysis identified themes related to new training content and delivery including a resource portfolio, communication, individualized accommodations, and working within the existing leadership training structure. Findings support the benefits of 4-H as a program that can promote life skills and personal development for youth on the Autism Spectrum but also highlight a significant need for additional training opportunities and resources to increase uptake and improve the implementation of inclusive practices.
