Framework for developing self-actualization skills in young adults with autism

Purpose

Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (YAASD) often lack the skills needed for successful adult living and subsequently develop lower quality of life and health in adulthood. Therefore, we developed a framework to support resilience and improve quality of life in YAASD, which will be used to develop a life-skills curriculum for YAASD.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study of YAASD, parents of YAASD and service providers recruited from agencies that serve YAASD using Grounded Theory. We focused our interviews on supports and skills needed to enhance quality of life in adulthood.

Results

A total of 23 individuals were interviewed. We developed the major theoretical code; “Self-actualization skills in young adults with autism to improve quality of life”. This code recognized the neurodiversity of YAASD as well as comorbid intellectual disability and mental health needs, which often were additional barriers to achieving life goals. We identified the need for developing skills to facilitate both independence and greater insight, including self-care, self-advocacy, and social integration. YAASD struggled in developing skills to adapt to the constantly changing environment that neurotypical adults deal with daily. Factors that would facilitate development of self-actualizing skills include resources that promote creating structure in an adult world that can appear unstructured to YAASD.

Conclusions

Self-actualization for adults requires skills for self-care, decision making, and effective communication. Unfortunately, most programs for YAASD emphasize vocational and simple task performance. Our framework facilitates self-actualization skills to enhance health and wellness, potentially reducing barriers to living meaningfully within the community.