Purpose: Research documents poor outcomes for autistic adults in the domains of employment, independent living, and social relationships. Measurement and sample limitations in prior studies may have amplified past estimates of poor outcomes. The goal of the current study was to improve upon past approaches and to create and describe a measurement…

This study used data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 (NLTS 2012) to explore the future goal aspirations of students with extensive support needs who participate in alternate assessments, compared to other students with extensive support needs and to students with other disabilities. We examined students' individualized…

Many adults above 40 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have not been diagnosed or were diagnosed late into adulthood. Furthermore, those diagnosed may have limited community resources and assistance in adult life. The objective of this systematic review is to identify the current discourse on this topic and to identify voids in research and…

The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 highlights the need for special education and related personnel to prepare youth with disabilities for adulthood, particularly in the areas of postsecondary education, employment, and independent living. In accordance with this policy, our study used qualitative case reporting to…

Autistic adults are often challenged to engage in and complete life skill tasks independently and are underrepresented in employment. No prior study has explored the perceptions of autistic individuals regarding K-12 life skills experiences and postsecondary employment. As such, the purposes of this study were to explore the association between…

Background: Living arrangements is an essential component of the social environments for autistic adults. The need to understanding the status and experience of living arrangements has been highlighted. Aim: This study examined living arrangements and satisfaction with current arrangements of autistic adults reported by autistic adults or…

Neurodiverse individuals often struggle to successfully transition into young adulthood. The social, cognitive, and organizational requirements of college, employment, and independent living can be challenging for these adolescents as they strive to adapt to new environments. Their diversity presents unique abilities to see the world differently…

This study, inspired by a life course approach, examines how former students with special educational needs that were met with different types of support, succeed in finding employment with sufficient pay to sustain livelihood and, thus, made themselves economically independent. The individuals in the sample (N = 295) are a part of a Norwegian…

Using National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 data, this study explored parent and youth expectations in the areas of postsecondary education, employment, independent living, and financial independence. Compared to youth with other disabilities, youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their parents had much lower…

Research has shown lower rates of employment and independent living in adults with autism. Many of these findings are based on cross-sectional studies, predominantly involving male participants. In a 6-year longitudinal study, we examined determinants of psychosocial outcomes in 917 adults with autism spectrum disorder (425 men, 492 women, mean…

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: the Collaborative (NTACT:C) Collaborative Assessment Guide for Transition Planning (CAG) is intended to help students, family members, educators, vocational rehabilitation counselors, human services and health agency staff, and other partners develop a coordinated assessment approach for…

Despite an estimated population of 10 million autistic individuals, there is still a significant lack of research on autistic adults in China. This study aimed to investigate the extent and factors influencing community integration (employment, independent living and friendship) and life satisfaction among young autistic adults in China, and…

The purpose of this study was to develop an in-depth understanding of how Eastern Arkansas youth with disabilities and their parents describe their expectations for the future, after participating in the Arkansas PROMISE program. The study sought an understanding of how participants viewed themselves and their expectations for the future, for…

Youth aging out of foster care are at particular risk for negative outcomes including school dropout, homelessness, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, health and mental health problems, and victimization. Yet we know little about how, when, and why these youth find themselves on a downward trajectory. This qualitative, phenomenological…

Developing skills for functional independence is important to gain employment, engage in postsecondary education, and live independently. Unfortunately, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience difficulties with functional independence skills needed to complete common, everyday tasks. This study examined the effects of work…