Healthcare experiences of young adults with autism spectrum disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 206-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashleigh Hillier ◽  
Monica Galizzi ◽  
Kianna Ferrante
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Healthcare Experiences ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

Purpose Characteristic challenges that define autism spectrum disorder (ASD), coupled with comorbid conditions and poor communication with providers, can lead to inadequate healthcare. The majority of previous work has focused on children. The purpose of this paper is to examine the healthcare experiences of young adults with ASD within the US healthcare system. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire was utilized to examine: the accessibility of healthcare for those with ASD: do they make their own appointments, fill out paperwork independently, go in the examination room on their own; the quality of care they receive: what are their medical needs, how effectively can they communicate their needs, do providers understand their disability; and the outcomes of care: do they understand their recommended care, can they follow healthcare instructions accurately, are they satisfied with the care received. The authors compared responses of those with ASD (n=16) with those of parents of adults with ASD (n=50), as well as a matched comparison group of young adults without ASD (n=42) for statistical differences using the Fisher Exact test. The authors also asked parents about their time costs of assisting their adult children through the healthcare process. Findings The results suggest that those with ASD overestimated their ability to manage their healthcare needs, felt more positively about the healthcare they received than was warranted, and were significantly less independent in managing their healthcare than their peers. Parents experienced losses and costs in terms of lost productivity, household work, and personal time. Originality/value This study furthers the understanding of the healthcare experiences of young adults with ASD which is crucial to dissecting problems which hamper access to quality care.

The Challenge of Entering Adulthood for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2017 ◽  
pp. 3-29
Author(s):  
Nicholas W. Gelbar ◽  
Daniel T. Volk
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

There is a tremendous amount of variation (heterogeneity) in terms of both symptom presentation and functional ability in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The challenges faced by adolescents and emerging adults with ASD can be better understood by considering the unique sociocultural changes that most individuals experience within these stages. In general, adolescents and young adults with ASD have poor social relationship, employment, post–secondary, and independent living outcomes. Additional research efforts, particularly large-scale studies, are needed to better understand the experiences and outcomes of adolescents and young adults with ASD.

scholarly journals Sexual Knowledge, Desires, and Experience of Adolescents and Young Adults With an Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Exploratory Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian C. Joyal ◽  
Julie Carpentier ◽  
Suzie McKinnon ◽  
Claude L. Normand ◽  
Marie-Hélène Poulin
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Sexual Experience ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

Although most persons with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) wish to have romantic and/or sexual relationships, little is known about self-report sexuality of adolescents/young adults with ASD. In this exploratory study, 172 male and female adolescents/young adults (68 with ASD and 104 without ASD) completed an online version of the Sexual Behavior Scale-Third edition. Although many more similarities than differences were observed between the groups for views and desires about romantic relationships (e.g., wishing to have a girlfriend/boyfriend), fewer participants with ASD (mostly boys) had experience with a variety of sexual/dyadic behaviors, and approximately half of girls with ASD reported negative sexual experiences. Significantly higher rates of participants with ASD felt their knowledge about sexuality was limited and found it difficult to understand sexual education compared with typically developing (TD) participants. Significantly lower rates of participants with ASD reported that they identify to their assigned gender compared with TD participants. Multiple regressions revealed that being older at first diagnosis and possessing better knowledge about sexuality were significant predictors of both positive and negative sexual experience. This study explores strengths and challenges related with the sexual health of adolescents/young adults with ASD and implications for clinical and educational practice are discussed.

Employment Training for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2017 ◽  
pp. 196-222
Author(s):  
David W. Test ◽  
Debra G. Holzberg ◽  
Kelly Clark ◽  
Misty Terrell ◽  
Dana E. Rusher
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Employment Outcomes ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Young Adults With Autism ◽  
Employment Rates ◽  
Adults With Asd

Despite legislation to improve post-school outcomes for young adults with autism spectrum disorder, they experience poorer employment outcomes than their peers without disabilities. Data indicate persons with ASD experience lower employment rates, earn less money, work fewer hours, are less engaged in their communities, and live independently less frequently than their peers without disabilities. Furthermore, the earnings of individuals with ASD lag behind earnings of their peers both with and without disabilities. In order to help improve employment outcomes for youth with ASD, this chapter describes the characteristics contributing to employment of individuals with ASD, the factors influencing employment of individuals with ASD, and the research related to evidence-based practices for young adults with ASD.

Evaluation of Overhand Throwing Among College Students With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-61
Author(s):  
Teri A. Todd ◽  
Keely Ahrold ◽  
Danielle N. Jarvis ◽  
Melissa A. Mache
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Overhand Throw ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Overhand Throwing ◽  
Adults With Asd

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically demonstrate deficits in gross motor skills such as the overhand throw. It has not been determined whether such deficits persist into adulthood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the kinematics and developmental level of overhand throws among young adults with and without ASD. Three-dimensional motion-capture data were collected during overhand throwing trials performed by 20 college students (10 students with ASD). Individuals with ASD demonstrated similar throw duration, stride length, and step width but a longer acceleration phase and slower ball velocity than individuals without ASD. Young adults with ASD also performed the overhand throw with less developmental proficiency than those without ASD. Specifically, individuals with ASD exhibited developmental deficits in the backswing and composite throwing score. Motor skill interventions for individuals with ASD should address throwing skills, with a particular focus on the preparatory phase of the overhand throw.

scholarly journals A review of emergency department visits made by youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder from the parent perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yona Lunsky ◽  
Ami Tint ◽  
Jonathan A. Weiss ◽  
Anna Palucka ◽  
Elspeth Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Ed Visits ◽  
Adults With Asd

Purpose Past research has shown individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) visit hospital emergency departments (ED) at high rates. In order to assist individuals with ASD, their families and health care providers to improve ED care, it is important to understand these encounters in greater detail. The purpose of this paper is to provide a descriptive summary of the ED experiences of adolescents and adults with ASD, from the perspective of their families. Design/methodology/approach A subset of data from a larger prospective cohort study was used. Specifically, 46 parents of adolescents and adults with ASD provided details concerning 49 ED visits over a 12-month period. Findings Results suggest a range of presentations requiring ED use, and also diverse profiles of those with ASD who visited the ED, in terms of age, gender, and ASD severity. While overall degree of satisfaction with care received in the ED was high, parents provided recommendations to improve the ED experiences for their family members with ASD. Originality/value This is the first study to provide detailed accounts of ED visits from the perspective of parents of adolescents and adults with ASD. Families play an important role in the lives of individuals with ASD across the lifespan and it is important to include their perspective to improve hospital-based care for those with ASD.

scholarly journals Behavioral Auditory Processing in Children and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin C. Schafer ◽  
Lauren Mathews ◽  
Kamakshi Gopal ◽  
Emilee Canale ◽  
Avery Creech ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Adults With Asd

Abstract Background Auditory-processing deficits are common in children and adults who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These deficits are evident across multiple domains as exhibited by the results from subjective questionnaires from parents, teachers, and individuals with ASD and from behavioral auditory-processing testing. Purpose Few studies compare subjective and behavioral performance of adults and children diagnosed with ASD using commercially available tests of auditory processing. The primary goal of the present study is to compare the performance of adults and children with ASD to age-matched, neurotypical peers. The secondary goal is to examine the effect of age on auditory-processing performance in individuals with ASD relative to age-matched peers. Research Design A four-group, quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was used in this study. Study Sample Forty-two adults and children were separated into four groups of participants: (1) 10 children with ASD ages 14 years or younger; (2) 10 age-matched, neurotypical children; (3) 11 adolescents and young adults with ASD ages 16 years and older; and (4) 11 age-matched, neurotypical adolescents or young adults. Data Collection and Analysis Data from each participant were collected in one test session. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA), repeated measures ANOVA, or nonparametric analyses. Effect sizes were calculated to compare performance between those with ASD and those who were neurotypical within each age group. Results Across all the questionnaires and the majority of the behavioral test measures, participants with ASD had significantly poorer ratings or auditory-processing performance than age-matched, neurotypical peers. Adults had more favorable performance than children on several of the test measures. Medium to large effect sizes corroborated the significant results. Conclusion Overall, the questionnaires and behavioral tests used in this study were sensitive to detecting auditory-processing differences between individuals diagnosed with ASD and those who are considered neurotypical. On most test measures, children performed more poorly than adults. The findings in this study support that both children and adults with ASD exhibit auditory-processing difficulties. Appropriate school and work accommodations will be necessary to ensure appropriate access to speech in challenging environments.

Improving Conversational Fluidity in Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using a Video-Feedback Intervention

2020 ◽  
pp. 109830072093996
Author(s):  
Daina Tagavi ◽  
Lynn Koegel ◽  
Robert Koegel ◽  
Ty Vernon
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Desirability ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Video Feedback ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Multiple Baseline ◽  
Feedback Intervention ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Adults With Asd

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience challenges maintaining fluid, reciprocal conversations, resulting in prolonged, awkward pauses. Such pauses disrupt the pacing of an interaction and create (a) less favorable social impressions and (b) perceptions of limited social competence. To help these individuals succeed socially, there is a need for intervention techniques specifically targeting this area. Using a multiple baseline experimental design, this study evaluated the efficacy of a video-feedback intervention to improve conversational fluidity in young adults with ASD. Specifically, number of long pauses and questions asked during a conversation were measured. In addition, social desirability was examined as well as participant-reported confidence in their skills and satisfaction with the intervention. Following intervention, all participants improved in their ability to maintain a fluid conversation. Furthermore, supplemental assessments indicated that each participant improved in their confidence in communication skills and was rated as more socially desirable by their same-aged peers.

Assessment and diagnosis of psychiatric disorder in adults with autism spectrum disorder

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 222-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Underwood ◽  
Jane McCarthy ◽  
Eddie Chaplin ◽  
Marco O. Bertelli
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adults With Asd

Purpose – Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with a range of psychiatric disorders. However, making an accurate diagnosis is challenging. It is important to follow a robust and informed process in the assessment of psychopathology that is centred on the individual and their neurodevelopmental difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to provide clinicians with an evidence-based approach to the assessment process for adults with ASD presenting with a possible co-occurrent psychiatric disorder. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the recent literature was undertaken focusing on key papers that describe the assessment of mental health problems in adults with ASD. Findings – The presentation of psychiatric symptoms is influenced by the underlying developmental disorder and it is often quite different from the one of the general population. Thus, it is essential to undertake a comprehensive psychopathological assessment including a diagnostic assessment of ASD. There is a very small evidence base on the use of diagnostic tools in the assessment of adults with ASD. Originality/value – This is a practice review paper applying recent evidence from the literature.

Effectiveness, durability, and clinical correlates of the PEERS social skills intervention in young adults with autism spectrum disorder: the first evidence outside North America

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Yi-Ling Chien ◽  
Wen-Che Tsai ◽  
Wen-Hao Chen ◽  
Chi-Liang Yang ◽  
Susan Shur-Fen Gau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Skills ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social Deficits ◽  
Autism Severity ◽  
Clinical Correlates ◽  
Baseline Severity ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

Abstract Background Despite the fact that social deficits among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are lifelong and impact many aspects of personal functioning, evidence-based programs for social skills training were not available until recently. The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) has been shown to effectively improve social skills for adolescents on the spectrum across different social cultures. However, the effectiveness for young adults beyond North America has yet to be examined. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the PEERS intervention in Taiwanese young adults with ASD, and examine its durability and clinical correlates. Methods We recruited 82 cognitively-able young adults with ASD, randomized to the PEERS treatment or treatment-as-usual. Results Following treatment, significant improvement was found in aspects of social deficits, autism severity, social interaction anxiety, empathy, and social skills knowledge either by self-report or coach-report. Additionally, communicative behaviors rated by observers improved throughout the sessions, showing a trend toward more appropriate eye contact, gestures, facial expression during conversation, and appropriate maintenance of conversation and reciprocity. Most effects maintained at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. The improvement of social deficits was positively correlated with baseline severity, while gains in social skills knowledge were positively correlated with IQ. The improvement of social deficits, autism severity, and empathy were positively correlated with each other. Conclusion Overall, the PEERS intervention appears to effectively improve social functioning in Taiwanese young adults with ASD. Improvement of social response and knowledge may be predicted by baseline severity and intelligence respectively.

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