3 - (IOP18) Assessment of Needs and Models of Support for Autistic Adults

Background & Significance: To be better aligned with the priorities of autistic self-advocates, a neurodiversity affirming lens is critical for developing need-based supports for the autistic community in adulthood. There is a need to obtain a better understanding of the needs of autistic adults by critically evaluating and integrating perspectives from autistic adults in addition to those who support them. The current proposal will discuss results of a community needs assessment for autistic young adults, and introduce two additional studies that were developed to meet these expressed needs.

Methods: In Study 1, 251 individuals across various respondent groups (autistic adults, caregivers, educators, service providers) completed an online needs assessment survey to examine perceived goals and needs of autistic adults in the community. In study 2, 19 autistic young adults (ages 16-26) and a caregiver participated in an 8-week virtual employment preparation program [Transitioning to Employment (TTE)], and completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires assessing program acceptability, employment outcomes, and social-emotional outcomes. In study 3, seven autistic adults (ages 20-35) and six autistic adolescents (ages 15-17) participated in a virtual mentorship program [Autism Mentorship Program (AMP)], and completed 22 virtual mentoring sessions and pre- and post-program questionnaires assessing program acceptability and social-emotional outcomes.

Results: In study 1, the most commonly reported goals centered on employment, social relationships, life skills, independence, and physical health. Sixty-four percent of the autistic individuals reported having the support they need to reach their goals, although the majority of respondents did not report receiving services related to these goals. Mental health and social difficulties were reported as barriers to autistic adults reaching personal goals. In study 2, 100% of participants were satisfied with TTE and made progress towards employment goals, and the majority of participants reported increased time spent in employment activities and improved employment and social-behavioral outcomes. In study 3, all participants reported high satisfaction with AMP and improvements in social and emotional wellbeing.

Discussion: These results highlight the importance of access to high quality and accessible services that meet the needs of autistic adults in their communities. Ideally, these services should be co-created and implemented by autistic individuals for optimal results as in the case of the models discussed. There is a significant need for providers who are familiar with autism and common co-occurring conditions in order to best serve this population. Future directions will continue to evaluate the impact of programs such as TTE and AMP with larger and more diverse samples and expand access to these and other needed programs. Importantly, it is imperative to develop strategies at the policy-making level on how to bridge the research-to-practice gap by increasing the number of skilled providers within the workforce, and promoting accessible formats of service delivery (e.g., telehealth).