Outcomes of a family–centered transition process for students with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

A three-component intervention was implemented with 47 youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as they transitioned from high school to adult life. The youth, ages 16 to 19 years, were randomly assigned to a Year 1 group or a Year 2 group. Participants in the Year 1 group received a transition planning intervention consisting of (a) group training sessions for families in the transition process, (b) person-centered planning meetings facilitated by project staff, and (c) follow-up assistance with career exploration and plan implementation. Data were collected pre- and post implementation to measure student and family expectations, self-determination, and career decision-making ability. The Year 2 group began receiving services following the second data collection point. Participants in the Year 1 group reported statistically significant increases in all four measured variables, whereas the Year 2 group showed no significant changes. Implications for redesigning transition services for this population are discussed.

Publication Date

3-1-2012

Journal Title

Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

Publisher

Sage Publications

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1177/1088357611430841

Document Type

Article

Rights

Copyright © 2012, Hammill Institute on Disabilities

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