Transition Services for Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum in Australia

The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators during the transition to adult/wad for young adults on the autism spectrum, from the perspectives of service providers. Fourteen disability service providers participated in two focus groups. Focus group data were analysed using thematic analysis resulting in two themes relative to transition support: Autism Spectrum Disorder Specific Challenges and Organisaticrnal Influences. The findings showed that government and organisational pressure in meeting key performance indicators influenced the quality of service provider support. The autism specific. challenges theme highlighted school. community and employer focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder as a deficit with these individuals affecting the cost-benefits ratio. Implications of the findings highlight the need for Autism Spectrum Disorder skilled service providers to facilitate a targeted service delivery to support the heterogeneity in individual social, communication, and behavioural challenges in young adults on the autism spectrum.