Publish in Journal of Autism
On December 2023
By Samara M. Wolpe, Amanda R. Johnson, and Sunny Kim.
Overview
The article aims to learn more about the experiences of caregivers of autistic young adults, their challenges and needs in helping their children transition to adulthood, and what steps could be taken by various stakeholders to ease this process. The authors conducted ten semi-structured interviews with caregivers of autistic young adults over the age of 18 and analyzed the data using an iterative and inductive coding approach. They identified three major themes and twelve subthemes that emerged from the interviews.
major themes
The three major themes were:
- Navigating service receipt: This theme describes the difficulties and frustrations that caregivers faced in accessing and maintaining services and supports for their autistic children, such as eligibility criteria, waiting lists, paperwork, funding, and coordination.
- Exploring the landscape of opportunities: This theme reflects the hopes and aspirations that caregivers had for their children, as well as the challenges and barriers they encountered in finding suitable options for education, employment, socialization, and independent living.
- Parent experiences: This theme captures the emotional and practical aspects of being a caregiver of an autistic young adult, such as coping with stress, managing expectations, balancing roles, and planning for the future.
Conclusion
The authors conclude that the findings from this study provide valuable insights for stakeholders who are involved in the transition process, such as high schools, vocational schools, colleges, regional centers, and employers. They suggest that these stakeholders should collaborate and communicate more effectively with each other and with the caregivers and the autistic individuals, and that they should offer more flexible, individualized, and holistic services and supports that address the diverse and changing needs of this population. They also recommend that more research and advocacy are needed to improve the transition outcomes and quality of life of autistic young adults and their families.
FAQ
Q1. What are the biggest challenges autistic individuals face when transitioning to adulthood?
Ans. The article highlights several challenges, including:
- Decreased access to services: After graduating from high school, autistic individuals often lose access to the specialized services they received in school. This can make it difficult for them to find employment, live independently, and participate in their communities.
- Difficulties with independent living: Many autistic individuals need support with daily living tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and managing finances. Without this support, they may struggle to live independently.
- Social isolation: Autistic individuals may find it difficult to make and maintain social connections, which can lead to loneliness and isolation.
- Mental health challenges: Autistic individuals are more likely than the general population to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. These challenges can be exacerbated by the stress of transitioning to adulthood.
Q2. What resources are available to help autistic individuals and their families during this transition?
Ans. The article mentions several resources, including:
- Adult service providers: There are a number of organizations that provide services to autistic adults, such as job training, housing assistance, and social skills groups.
- Disability advocacy groups: These groups can provide information and support to autistic individuals and their families.
- Government programs: Some government programs provide financial assistance and other supports to autistic individuals.
- Online resources: There are a number of websites and online communities that offer information and support to autistic individuals and their families.
Q3. How can I help my autistic child prepare for adulthood?
Ans. There are a number of things you can do to help your child prepare for adulthood, such as:
- Start planning early: The earlier you start planning, the better prepared your child will be for the transition.
- Talk to your child about their goals and dreams: Help your child identify their goals for the future and develop a plan to achieve them.
- Teach your child life skills: Teach your child the skills they need to live independently, such as cooking, cleaning, and managing finances.
- Help your child develop social skills: Help your child develop the social skills they need to make and maintain friends.
- Connect with other families: Connect with other families who have autistic children. This can be a great source of support and information.
Source:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-023-06196-z