Problem
In 2019, the CIUSSSS de la Capitale-Nationale deplored the lack of a reliable and valid tool to assess the rehabilitation profile of autistic people in a work context in its socio-professional services. However, such a tool had already been developed ten years prior for people with intellectual disabilities. Literature searches identified only 6 validated questionnaires on the subject, but not available in French. In addition, these did not cover all dimensions of adapted work rehabilitation for autistic people.
First of all
In collaboration with 17 experts, Dr. Vincent’s research team developed, using an existing tool, a French-language observation grid specific to the reality of autistic people enrolled in a work integration pathway. Its feasibility was then tested with 3 ASD Integration workers and 5 autistic individuals (day activity center, workshops, work programs, internships)..
The original tool is the Work Rehabilitation and Adaptation Profile for adults with Intellectual Disabilities (WRAP-ID). The adapted version is called the Work Rehabilitation and Adaptation Profile for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (WRAP-ASD), and makes it possible to observe the rehabilitation profile in a work context of autistic people in different settings (CIUSSS, CISSS and community organizations). It also makes it possible to better document the evolution of people by identifying their strengths and needs at various points in time.
The WRAP-ASD is an observation grid in the form of an Excel compiler. It includes:
- Informative tabs (home, presentation, instructions and glossary)
- Tabs on the dimensions of rehabilitation at work for which the level of success is rated and the level of support is assessed in the comments
- Tabs used to compile results
Also, the profile of the person assessed considering 10 theoretical domains of work functioning:
- Motivation (5 items)
- Attendance (3 items)
- Relationship with peers (8 items)
- Communication skills (10 items)
- Cognitive skills (9 items)
- Rules and safety (3 items)
- Independence (5 items)
- Physical demands and endurance (7 items)
- Handling of tools and machinery (4 items)
- Productivity and quality (5 items)
Second of all: New version of WRAP-ASD available!
In 2023, we continued to validate the tool through observation of 41 autistic users by 19 specialized educators. In 2024, to perfect the measure, we carried out statistical analyses of its construct, internal validity and convergent validity.
The WRAP-ASD in this new version, with its 49 items instead of 59, offers added value compared with all other standardized tools, as it is the only one to track the progress of autistic ‘apprentice workers’ in socio-professional services over time. The PRACT-PTSA is also the only one to take into account as many dimensions of work as possible, and it allows the adaptations provided in the work environment to be considered thanks to the invitation to note them in the comments sections.
The WRAP-ASD refers to the different levels of support (from minimal to very important) deployed in the 4 types of socio-professional environments in Quebec, i.e. day centers, workshops, workplaces and on-the-job internships.
The changes made to the previous version concern the following elements:
– Updated Home & Questions tab
– Presentation tab updated
– Removal of 8 items (5, 16, 30, 34, 43, 47, 49 and 50)
– Merge items 2 and 3 to create new item 2
– Merging of items 7 and 8, resulting in the new item 5
– Item 29 reworked as item 25
– Item 24 reworked as item 20
– Item 52 reworked as item 42
– Item 55 has been reworked as item 45
– The title of the Handling tools/machinery section has been changed to Handling tools, appliances and machines.
– Addition of terms to the Lexicon (device, machine, simple tools, productivity)
Download the new version of WRAP-ASD (In French)
The old version is available here (In French)
Contact the research team:
Frédéric Dumont at frederic.dumont@cirris.ulaval.ca
Claude Vincent iat Claude.Vincent@rea.ulaval.ca
