Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Transition into Higher Education: Impact on Family Functioning

Introduction: The transition into higher education constitutes a precarious life stage for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Little research has examined how this impacts on families caring for young adults with... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction: The transition into higher education constitutes a precarious life stage for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Little research has examined how this impacts on families caring for young adults with ASD. The purpose of this study was to gain a thorough understanding of how families with a youngster with ASD navigate this transition as a family.
Methodology: Mothers (n=34), fathers (n=26) and young adults with ASD (n=34) participated in individual semi-structured interviews and reported on their challenges, support needs as well as on the processes of interpersonal influences and the responsiveness to each other’s needs and challenges. The Grounded Theory Approach was used as a guiding approach for data collection and analysis.
Results: Although there were differences between mothers’, fathers’ and students’ viewpoints, commonly identified areas of difficulties included making appropriate transition decisions, leaving behind familiar patterns, persons and support services, as well as managing changes in acquisition of autonomy. Facing these challenges simultaneously had a major impact on family functioning. Families defined the transition as an emotional journey and pointed out to a set of recommendations for family members’ responsiveness and support services. Perspectives: A thorough understanding of family functioning in the transition into higher education allows for the development of interventions that are tailored to the specific individual needs of all family members.

The study was reviewed and approved by the appropriate Ethics Committee. Participation was voluntary and participants signed an informed consent prior to participation in the study. They were informed that all personal data... [ view full abstract ]

The study was reviewed and approved by the appropriate Ethics Committee. Participation was voluntary and participants signed an informed consent prior to participation in the study. They were informed that all personal data would be treated confidentially. There is no potential conflict of interest.