Item
Prevalence and correlates of postsecondary residential status among young adults with an autism spectrum disorder
Metadados
Título
Prevalence and correlates of postsecondary residential status among young adults with an autism spectrum disorder
Descrição
Autism
Autor
Kristy A Anderson; Paul T Shattuck; Benjamin P Cooper; Anne M Roux; Mary Wagner
Língua
Ano que foi publicado
2014
País de Origem
Tipo de pesquisa
Metodologia
This study examined the prevalence and correlates of three living arrangements (with a parent or guardian, independently or with a roommate, or in a supervised setting) among a nationally representative sample of postsecondary young adults with an autism spectrum disorder.
Amostra
The NLTS2 was funded by the US Department of Education and followed a nationally representative sample of students who were aged 13 through 16 years and receiving special education services in December 2000 (SRI International, 2000). Data were collected in five waves, 2 years apart, from 2001 to 2009 (Wagner et al., 2005). At the end of the study, participants had been out of high school for up to 10 years. A multistage sampling procedure was used, initially contacting local education agencies and state-supported special schools. Students were sampled from rosters, and families were invited to participate (Wagner et al., 2005). This study was based pri marily on data from wave 5, collected from March 2009 to June 2009 (SRI International, 2000). After answering a set of questions, parents or guardians were asked whether the young adult was capable of answering a second set of questions. If the parent or guardian responded yes, the young adult was contacted to complete the second portion of the survey: if young adults could not be reached, parents were asked to complete it (SRI International, 2000).
Método de Pesquisa
utiliza metodologia quantitativa descritiva e correlacional, analisando dados secundários de uma amostra nacionalmente representativa (estudo NLTS2) por meio de regressões logísticas para comparar os arranjos residenciais e seus fatores associados entre jovens adultos com autismo e outros grupos de deficiência.
Principais Descobertas
Members of the autism spectrum disorder group were less likely to have ever
lived elsewhere and more likely to live under supervision since leaving high school compared to persons with emotional
disturbances and learning disabilities. Group differences persisted after controlling for functional ability and demographic
characteristics. Correlates of residential independence included being White, having better conversation ability and
functional skills, and having a higher household income. Further research is needed to investigate how these residential
trends relate to the quality of life among families and young adults.
Comentário Avaliativo
Our study has several strengths. The recency of the NLTS2 provides up-to-date prevalence rates that provide a baseline for future comparative studies. The nationally representative sampling strategy increases the external validity of our findings compared with studies based on community or clinic sampling strategies. The sample’s diversity also allowed us to examine demographic characteristics and disparities that are commonly excluded in ASD literature (Shattuck et al., 2012b). Finally, we used a broad range of residential outcomes, increasing the relevance of our findings for policy and practice. As the prevalence of ASDs continues to rise, so too does the number of young adults transitioning into adulthood. The evidence presented in this study suggests that the vast majority of this population will be residing in the parental or guardian home during the period of emerging adulthood. More research is needed to identify ways to effectively implement residential transition plans that best meet the needs and preferences of young adults with ASDs and their families.