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Healthcare Services During the Transitions to Adulthood Among Individuals with ASD Aged 15–25 Years Old: Stakeholders’ Perspectives

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Abstract

Although previous research has shown that the transition to adulthood may be challenging, there exists a lack of research regarding perspectives of stakeholders on the transition of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study aimed to investigate stakeholders’ experiences regarding healthcare services for youth with ASD during their transition. We involved 20 stakeholders, including 17 parents of youth with ASD as well as 3 services providers. The study yielded three major themes including: (a) accessibility and quality of care; (b) tensions and conflicts; and (c) navigation and integrated care. The findings can be used to direct change within the healthcare services towards better practices for youth with ASD and increasing the likelihood of positive health outcomes.

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Funding

We would like to thank the funding agencies of this project for their support. This study was funded by Dalhousie Belong Fellowship, Faculty of Health Grant, and Research Nova Scotia New Health Investigator Grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada

    Parisa Ghanouni & Liam Seaker

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  1. Parisa Ghanouni
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  2. Liam Seaker
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Contributions

PG was the principal investigator of the project. She designed the study, supported the ethics application, collection of the data, analysis of the data, and writing the manuscript. At the time of the study, LS was the research assistant of the project and was involved in compiling the data and preparing several parts of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Parisa Ghanouni.

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Ghanouni, P., Seaker, L. Healthcare Services During the Transitions to Adulthood Among Individuals with ASD Aged 15–25 Years Old: Stakeholders’ Perspectives. J Autism Dev Disord 52, 2575–2588 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05159-6

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