Parents’ perceptions of access to services for their adult children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2020
Department/School
Social Work
Publication Title
Families in Society
Abstract
© The Author(s) 2019. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate parents’ perceptions of service access for their adult children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Access includes accommodation, acceptability, availability, and affordability (4 As) of services. This study examined which of the 4 As presented the biggest challenges across multiple types of services needed. Fifty-one parents of adult children with ASD participated in semistructured interviews sharing perceptions of support services available for their adult children. Parents discussed eight types of services (case management, educational programs, employment and employment supports, physical/mental health care, housing, day program or respite care, social life and recreation, and transportation). Based on parent perceptions, services were inconsistently accessible, difficult to obtain, and inadequate. Trained social workers and health care professionals are needed to provide and coordinate services for adults with ASD.
Link to Published Version
Recommended Citation
Marsack-Topolewski, C. N., & Weisz, A. N. (2020). Parents’ perceptions of access to services for their adult children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 101(2), 190–204. https://doi.org/10.1177/1044389419881273