1. Mental Health Counseling Is Rated as Most Helpful by Autistic Adults: Service Perspectives in Adulthood
- Author
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Dara V. Chan and Julie D. Doran
- Abstract
The growing number of autistic adults challenges the limited adult service system. While data on service use and barriers are available, there is limited information from the individual's perspective on which services are most helpful in adulthood and how service use is connected to community participation outcomes. Forty autistic adults participated in a study combining global positioning system community participation measures with survey and interview data on service use, including which services are most helpful in adulthood, barriers to services, and service needs. Participation outcomes were analyzed relative to demographics, number and types of services received in the past 2 years, and current mental health service use. Participants received an average of two services in the past 2 years, most frequently mental health and employment services. Individuals currently seeing a mental health counselor were more likely to be working full-time and visit more community locations compared to those who were not seeing a counselor. Participants reported mental health services as the most helpful service received in adulthood followed by employment services. While an emphasis is often placed on employment services in the transition to adulthood, findings suggest a need for integrated mental health and employment services for autistic adults. [This paper was presented at the Conference on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE/CSAV/RSA) Annual Meeting, 16 September 2022.]
- Published
- 2024
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