Anne V Kirby1, Marilyn Schneider2, Marissa Diener3, Jarrett Henderson4. 1. University of Utah, Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, avkirby@gmail.com, 801-581-4248, 520 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108 USA. 2. University of Utah, Occupational Therapy Life Skills Clinic, marilyn.schneider@utah.edu, 801-587-8020, 421 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. 3. University of Utah, Department of Family and Consumer Studies, marissa.diener@fcs.utah.edu, 801-581-8750, 225 S. 1400 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112. 4. University of Utah, Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, u6004740@utah.edu, 801-581-2885, 520 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108 USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The transition to adulthood involves achievement of objective milestones, yet becoming an adult is also widely considered a subjective experience. Much of the extant research about autistic adulthood focuses on the objective aspects of adulthood, with little emphasis on the subjective experience of adulthood. There is lack of research incorporating the perspectives of autistic youth about preparation for becoming an adult. METHODS: Using semi-structured interviews with 27 autistic adolescents (12-17 years old), we examined youth considerations for adulthood. In a subset of the sample (n=8), we also examined youth perspectives on adulthood in general. The research team conducted qualitative thematic analysis with an inductive, iterative approach. RESULTS: Adolescents considered a variety of factors when considering their plans and desires for adulthood, including their family connections, their own interests and abilities, characteristics of their future situations, and chronological progressions. When speaking about adulthood in general, participants discussed the importance of factors such as age/accomplishment and responsibility/maturity. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the appropriateness and importance of conversations with autistic youth about their own adult futures. Understanding how autistic youth understand and consider adulthood can help inform the development of improved supports and services during the transition to adulthood, and promote positive adulthood experiences.
BACKGROUND: The transition to adulthood involves achievement of objective milestones, yet becoming an adult is also widely considered a subjective experience. Much of the extant research about autistic adulthood focuses on the objective aspects of adulthood, with little emphasis on the subjective experience of adulthood. There is lack of research incorporating the perspectives of autistic youth about preparation for becoming an adult. METHODS: Using semi-structured interviews with 27 autistic adolescents (12-17 years old), we examined youth considerations for adulthood. In a subset of the sample (n=8), we also examined youth perspectives on adulthood in general. The research team conducted qualitative thematic analysis with an inductive, iterative approach. RESULTS: Adolescents considered a variety of factors when considering their plans and desires for adulthood, including their family connections, their own interests and abilities, characteristics of their future situations, and chronological progressions. When speaking about adulthood in general, participants discussed the importance of factors such as age/accomplishment and responsibility/maturity. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the appropriateness and importance of conversations with autistic youth about their own adult futures. Understanding how autistic youth understand and consider adulthood can help inform the development of improved supports and services during the transition to adulthood, and promote positive adulthood experiences.
Authors: Paul T Shattuck; Sarah Carter Narendorf; Benjamin Cooper; Paul R Sterzing; Mary Wagner; Julie Lounds Taylor Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2012-05-14 Impact factor: 7.124
Authors: Megan A Farley; William M McMahon; Eric Fombonne; William R Jenson; Judith Miller; Michael Gardner; Heidi Block; Carmen B Pingree; Edward R Ritvo; Riva Arielle Ritvo; Hilary Coon Journal: Autism Res Date: 2009-04 Impact factor: 5.216