Empowering Families of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder for Success in Secondary Transition

Abstract

Transition to adulthood is usually a difficult time for adolescents and their families. However, this process is often more difficult for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), even when comparing with their peers with other types of disabilities. Moreover, youth with ASD from cultural and linguistic minority groups have the greatest disparities in postsecondary outcomes. In order to promote effective and culturally responsive practices, this chapter will (1) provide an overview of the challenges associated with the transition to adulthood for youth with ASD with specific attention to youth from diverse backgrounds, (2) review research on family engagement in improving transition outcomes, and (3) highlight community-based model programs that engage families of transition-age youth to empower success in postsecondary outcomes. We have selected three model programs as exemplars of effective strategies for engaging and empowering families in the transition from secondary school to the beginning of adulthood. We will discuss the similarities and differences across programs for families and provide recommendations for future practice.