How have Participation Outcomes of Autistic Young Adults been Measured? A Scoping Review

J Autism Dev Disord. 2023 Nov;53(11):4424-4437. doi: 10.1007/s10803-022-05725-6. Epub 2022 Sep 7.

Abstract

Autistic young adults experience challenges participating in the workforce, post-secondary schooling, and living in the community. We examined how participation outcomes have been measured in autistic young adults. Articles (n = 113) were identified through database searches and citation tracking. Guided by current models in the literature, data were extracted for each measure of participation. Results include a description of the studies in the review, the extent to which participation across life situations has been addressed, and a critical analysis of the measures used to describe participation. While there is some breadth in the investigation of participation across diverse life situations, there is limited depth in what the measures capture and many measures used lack psychometric support.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Community; Education; Employment; Participation; Young adult.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder* / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Young Adult