Initial Experiences of Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder Participating in the PROMISE Initiative

The federal government created the Promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) initiative to fund projects that help a healthy transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities and their families. Six projects implemented model demonstration projects for youth receiving Supplemental Security Income ages 14 to 16. They were required to include formal partnerships between state agencies, case management, benefits counseling, financial education for youth and their families, career and work-based learning experiences for youth, and parent training and information. PROMISE was unique in its focus on cross-agency collaboration, comprehensive case management, focus on younger people, and services to family members. This study explored the initial experiences and outcomes of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in PROMISE.

Under contract with the Social Security Administration, Mathematica is conducting the national evaluation of the PROMISE initiative. Autism Speaks sponsored this study to explore the initial experiences and outcomes of youth with ASD in PROMISE. This brief summarizes our findings.