Department of Health Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.
J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2022 Apr 1;43(3):130-139. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000001021. Epub 2021 Oct 11.
Quality of life, independence, and employment outcomes are poor for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (YA-ASD). This study explored the desires and experiences of YA-ASD as they transition into adulthood.
Fifteen YA-ASD, age 18 to 25 years, were recruited from autism spectrum disorder centers, participant registries, and social media advertising. Interested individuals completed a survey and individual interview. Semistructured interview guides included questions about transition experiences, current independence, and future goals. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.
The desire of young adults with autism spectrum disorder for independence was shown within 4 themes. YA-ASD described their vision of adulthood along with their need for improved skills in driving, living independently, and decision-making.
The findings indicate YA-ASD desire to be independent but lack the specific support services to get there.
自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）青少年的生活质量、独立性和就业结果较差。本研究探讨了青少年自闭症患者在成年过渡时期的愿望和经历。
从自闭症谱系障碍中心、参与者登记处和社交媒体广告招募了 15 名年龄在 18 至 25 岁的青少年自闭症患者。有兴趣的个人完成了一项调查和个人访谈。半结构化访谈指南包括有关过渡经历、当前独立性和未来目标的问题。使用主题分析对访谈记录进行分析。
自闭症谱系障碍青少年对独立性的渴望体现在 4 个主题中。青少年自闭症患者描述了他们对成年期的设想，以及他们需要提高驾驶、独立生活和决策方面的技能。
研究结果表明，青少年自闭症患者渴望独立，但缺乏实现这一目标的具体支持服务。
