Success Stories: Building Inclusive Futures: How a Rehabilitation Researcher is Advancing Vocational Support for Individuals with Autism.

Case Summary:     

In a world where inclusion is no longer just an aspiration but a necessity, one researcher from Turkey is leading efforts to bridge a critical gap in disability services. With a focus on psychological counseling and rehabilitation, this Ph.D. student has earned EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval through direct premium processing, affirming the significance of his work for the public interest in the United States.

Creating Support Systems That Work

Currently conducting research in the field of rehabilitation counseling, the client is advancing interventions that support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities in navigating career transitions and long-term employment. His work is particularly focused on vocational rehabilitation, family-centered interventions, and cross-cultural adaptability—developing tools that not only improve career success but also promote identity development and community integration.

One of his central goals is to design evidence-based frameworks that better serve neurodiverse individuals as they transition from education into the workforce. His studies are informed by mixed-methods approaches that examine vocational and psychosocial factors, including culturally responsive strategies for family engagement.

Impact Through Research

● Publications: Multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations in progress

● Citations: Cited by experts across rehabilitation and developmental disability fields

● Review Experience: Active contributor to academic discourse through journal review activity

His research has been presented at respected forums and is positioned for future publication in leading outlets such as the Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin and the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. These publications and presentations underscore the researcher’s growing impact in a field where data-driven solutions are urgently needed.

Funding and Research Environment

The client’s research has been supported through institutional affiliations with federally funded centers for vocational rehabilitation. His involvement in multi-year projects reflects national trust in the scalability and social value of his contributions. He also participated in ongoing cross-national studies, including collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Turkey to examine family intervention strategies for autism, a perspective that adds unique depth to his findings.

Endorsement of National Importance

In a powerful letter of recommendation, one senior expert noted:

“[Client’s] work responds directly to the urgent need for inclusive vocational and family-based intervention strategies for individuals with autism in the United States, where 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. His research directly contributes to reducing the societal burden of unemployment, improving mental health support, and enhancing long-term economic participation of this underserved population.”

This clear articulation of societal relevance played a key role in demonstrating how the client is well-positioned to advance the national interest.

Petition Strategy and Approval

NAILG built a strong case that emphasized:

● The national importance of inclusive workforce development

● The originality and breadth of the client’s cross-cultural research

● The sustained interest of U.S. institutions in funding and applying his work

Despite being a student, the client’s track record and plans—spanning both the U.S. and international contexts—made it clear he is already shaping policy-relevant scholarship. The petition was filed on January 7, 2025, and approved on March 4, 2025, with no delays.

Through his commitment to equity, community-based research, and inclusive policy, this young scholar is poised to improve countless lives. His work affirms that academic excellence and compassion, when paired, can transform both systems and stories. We are proud to have stood beside him in this journey.