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Disparities Based on Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status Over the Transition to Adulthood Among Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum: a Systematic Review

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ES Brodkin, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Few studies have examined disparities in autism services and functional outcomes over the life course. Transition to adulthood is an especially important developmental period, as it sets up trajectories of adult functioning. This systematic review summarizes patterns of service use and transition outcomes according to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic characteristics over the transition to adulthood.

Recent Findings

Forty studies were included. Low-income and racial/ethnic minority youth on the autism spectrum were less likely to participate in transition planning meetings, enroll in postsecondary education, find competitive employment after high school, live independently, participate in social activities, and receive health care transition services than their White and higher income peers on the autism spectrum.

Summary

Racial/ethnic minority and low-income youth on the autism spectrum were more likely to be disconnected from educational, occupational, and social activities upon entering adulthood. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying these disparities as a first step to addressing them.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave, Floor 2, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Jenna Sandler Eilenberg & Kristin A. Long

  2. Department of Educational Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    Madison Paff & Ashley Johnson Harrison

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  1. Jenna Sandler Eilenberg
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Correspondence to Kristin A. Long.

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Jenna Sandler Eilenberg, Madison Paff, Ashley Johnson Harrison, and Kristin A. Long each declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Eilenberg, J.S., Paff, M., Harrison, A.J. et al. Disparities Based on Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status Over the Transition to Adulthood Among Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum: a Systematic Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 32 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1016-1

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