Parent Perspectives on Supports and Barriers for Autistic Youth Transitioning to Adulthood.
Jenna M Hoffman, Anne V Kirby
PMID 34528163WHAT IT FOUND
Parents of autistic teens described barriers like not knowing where to find services or finding them too expensive.
They reported supports came from their child's specific interests, such as coding or welding, and from extracurricular activities that built confidence and practical skills.
Key findings
01The most frequently reported barrier was not knowing what services existed or how to navigate them, rather than being unable to access known resources.
02Parents viewed their child's specific interests, such as computer programming or welding, and positive feedback in these areas as key supports for future employment.
03A significant service mismatch occurred because many available programs were designed for youth with higher support needs, leaving teens with lower support needs without appropriate options.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample lacked racial and ethnic diversity and did not reflect the broader population. Youth with more significant support needs, those anticipating a completion certificate rather than a diploma, and those with limited speaking ability were excluded. The interviews were not originally designed to ask about supports and barriers, so some relevant information may be missing. Some parents discussed anticipated barriers rather than experiences they were currently facing.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these themes as evidence that specific interventions work. This study reports what parents said were helpful or hindering factors, not the effectiveness of any treatment or program.