Community Participation, Service Needs, and Health Outcomes Among Adults with Autism

Abstract

This research focuses on self-reported community participation preferences and experiences among autistic adults. The ability to participate in communities is a key facet of living an independent, meaningful, and fulfilling life. Among those who are able to meaningfully participate in their communities, previous research has documented greater feelings of well-being and self-reported health, with decreasing levels of social isolation, depression, and anxiety. Autistic adults have similar desires to participate in their communities as neurotypical peers, yet data is lacking about their community participation desires and experiences, along with an understanding of how existing service and support systems influence access and ability to meaningfully participate. Autistic adults are also likely to experience specific barriers to community participation given social and communication differences are a core component of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and accessing transportation is a noted logistical barrier for this population.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2022
Accession Number
AD1190544

Entities

People

  • Lindsay Shea

Organizations

  • Drexel University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Autism
  • Covid-19
  • Diseases
  • Electronic Mail
  • Employment
  • Health
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Medical Personnel
  • Neurodegeneration
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Public Health
  • Recreation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Social Media
  • Therapy

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Science in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  • Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Care for Military Service Members and Veterans with Limb Loss or Disability.
  • Systems Analysis and Design