Self-Advocacy including asking for accommodations and disclosing your diagnosis.The American Disabilities Act and other legal protections.Co-occurring conditions and other common related issues like ADHD, GI issues, and autistic burnout, among others.Learn from other autistic adults who have walked down the path. In addition to explaining the clinical definition of autism, diagnosis, and services, supports and rights, the Adult Autism Diagnosis Tool Kit also amplifies the autistic adult voice and what living on the spectrum looks like. You are someone who loves or supports someone who fits one of the above.Your child was diagnosed and/or is being evaluated and you wonder about yourself.You recently found out that you were diagnosed with autism in childhood, but your parents/guardians did not disclose that to you.You were seeking counseling or support for something else as an adult, and the clinician brought up autism.You are an adult who recognizes you have autistic traits but are unsure what to do.You are an adult currently seeking a diagnosis or were recently diagnosed with autism.2710-2719.A guide for identifying autism in adults and figuring out what comes next Developed by autistic adults, this guide addresses what comes next if: Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2013. Orsmond, G.I., et al., Social participation among young adults with an autism spectrum disorder.DaWalt, L.S., et al., Friendships and social participation as markers of quality of life of adolescents and adults with fragile X syndrome and autism.

Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 2011. Dosa, Social participation in a nationally representative sample of older youth and young adults with autism. Dudley, K.M., et al., Understanding Service Usage and Needs for Adults with ASD: The Importance of Living Situation.Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 2009. Wehman, Transition From School to Adulthood for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry, 2013. Roux, A.M., et al., Postsecondary employment experiences among young adults with an autism spectrum disorder.Kirby, A.V., Parent Expectations Mediate Outcomes for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Drexel Autism Institute: Philadelphia, PA. Roux, A.M., et al., National Autism Indicators Report: Transition into Young Adulthood.Shattuck, P.T., et al., Postsecondary education and employment among youth with an autism spectrum disorder.Shattuck, P.T., et al., A National Research Agenda for the Transition of Youth With Autism.Seltzer, Employment and post-secondary educational activities for young adults with autism spectrum disorders during the transition to adulthood. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2011. Perry, Outcomes in adolescents and adults with autism: A review of the literature. Through SEED Teen, CDC is tracking the changes that occur during this transition period to learn about factors that may promote more successful transitions and better outcomes in young adults with ASD. This is a new activity for the ADDM Network and will provide valuable information on transition planning in special education services and potential service needs after high school.ĬDC’s Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) began identifying children with ASD in the mid-2000s and these children are now beginning the transition from adolescence to adulthood. CDC’s Work for Adults with ASDĬDC’s most recent funding cycle for the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network includes support for five sites to follow up on 16-year-olds who had been identified with ASD by 8 years of age. These changes can affect their ability to function and participate in the community. In addition, individuals with ASD may experience changes in their ASD symptoms, behaviors, and co-occurring health conditions during adolescence and young adulthood. Limited opportunity for community or social activities-nearly 40% spend little or no time with friends.Majority continue to live with family members or relatives.Low participation in education beyond high school.High rates of unemployment or under-employment.However, research suggests fewer young people with ASD have the same opportunities as their peers without ASD. For most young people, including those with ASD, adolescence and young adulthood are filled with new challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities. A greater number of children identified with ASD has led to a growing interest in the transition to adolescence and adulthood.

Autism spectrum test