Nancy C Cheak-Zamora1,2, Michelle Teti1,2, Jennifer First3. 1. Department of Health Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. 2. Public Health Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. 3. Department of Social Work, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face many challenges as they age into adulthood. Because little is known about the perspectives of caregivers and youth during this critical transition, this study explored their social, educational, and vocational needs and experiences. METHOD: Two focus groups were conducted with youth with ASD (n = 13) and two focus groups were conducted with their caregivers (n = 19), where theme analysis strategies derived from Grounded Theory were utilized to identify themes. RESULTS: Both groups experienced fear and anxiety about transitioning, unmet needs were also high, leaving caregivers struggling to fill gaps. Most caregivers and youth reported lacking individualized services. Caregivers faced difficulty in motivating youth and creating opportunities for education and employment. Although youth have future goals, they were unaware of steps needed to accomplish them and hesitant to talk to caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate considerable unmet needs for caregivers and youth with ASD. Perspectives of both groups should be considered when developing programmes and educating providers.
BACKGROUND: Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face many challenges as they age into adulthood. Because little is known about the perspectives of caregivers and youth during this critical transition, this study explored their social, educational, and vocational needs and experiences. METHOD: Two focus groups were conducted with youth with ASD (n = 13) and two focus groups were conducted with their caregivers (n = 19), where theme analysis strategies derived from Grounded Theory were utilized to identify themes. RESULTS: Both groups experienced fear and anxiety about transitioning, unmet needs were also high, leaving caregivers struggling to fill gaps. Most caregivers and youth reported lacking individualized services. Caregivers faced difficulty in motivating youth and creating opportunities for education and employment. Although youth have future goals, they were unaware of steps needed to accomplish them and hesitant to talk to caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate considerable unmet needs for caregivers and youth with ASD. Perspectives of both groups should be considered when developing programmes and educating providers.
Authors: Mikle South; Katherine M Taylor; Tiffani Newton; Megan Christensen; Nathan K Jamison; Paul Chamberlain; Oliver Johnston; Michael J Crowley; J Dee Higley Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2017-12