Challenges of Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder
What's the study about?
Are you a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder? Or are you the parent of an adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder? If so, please consider participating in this research!
The purpose of the research is to investigate current adult support and services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This study will expand the research on adults with ASD and the barriers that they face, particularly in services lost or gained in the transition between childhood to adulthood.
Who can participate?
Adult (18-30 yrs) diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder prior to age 18
OR
Parent of an adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder (same criteria above)
Must have received academic, behavioral, physical, or psychological support services for Autism Spectrum Disorder prior to the age of 18
What will participants be doing?
You will take an online survey that will ask you questions about the adult with autism (self or child)’s demographics and current life circumstances, such as relationships, employment, education, and housing. This survey will take about 20-30 minutes. The end of the survey will ask a few follow-up questions for you to type a response regarding your or your child’s experience with being or raising an adult with ASD. You will also be asked if you would like to participate in an interview. If selected, you will be invited to a 60-minute interview to share your life experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Why is this important?
It is increasingly important to hear directly from adults with ASD themselves in academic research. Few studies have focused on adults with ASD, and even less have included their own direct participation. This study will give you the opportunity to advocate for yourself and actively share your lived experience in the research. The interventions and services designed for adults with ASD are scarce and lack the attention and concern that services for children with ASD receive. This study will use real-life perspectives to look at what the gaps are in the United States for resources and support for adults with ASD and bring needed attention to it. You may also review the research upon publication as a resource to find services or programs that were helpful to other individuals with ASD or their parents.