Abstract
This study investigated the role of acceptance during the transition process among autistic young adults, parents, and practitioners. Six focus groups were run and thematic analysis was used to identify four themes: Youth on the autism spectrum discussed transition as a time where Self-Advocacy and Self-Acceptance were salient. Both youth and parents discussed the Lack of Understanding and Acceptance they experience. Particularly, youth highlighted the lack of understanding of sensory needs and parents underscored the lack of understanding by medical professionals. In contrast, practitioners highlighted the presence of Community Openness. Both practitioners and parents discussed Finding Personal Support through Acceptance. Self-acceptance and acceptance of autism are imperative for autistic young adults and families to achieve well-being.
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Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank all the young adults with autism, parents, and practitioners in this study. We are humbled by your experiences, perspectives, and dedications. We would like to thank members of the LIFE research lab who helped at the different stages of the manuscript preparation.
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Lee, G.K., Curtiss, S.L., Kuo, H.J. et al. The Role of Acceptance in the Transition to Adulthood: A Multi-Informant Comparison of Practitioners, Families, and Youth with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 52, 1444–1457 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05037-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05037-1