Beyond the roadblocks: transitioning to adulthood with Asperger's disorder

Abstract

Growing up with Asperger's disorder is complex and fraught with difficulty. Although the literature includes some research related to the transition of youth with Asperger's disorder to school and employment, none pertains to the transition to adulthood and independent living. Although a marginal number of young adults with Asperger's disorder eventually achieve independence, many of them continue to depend on families for supportive services. Currently, health care organizations and social services lack coherent, integrated systems to assist youth with Asperger's disorder and their families with the out-of-home transition. To better facilitate the process, this article reviews the literature on Asperger's disorder, leading to a comprehensive, evidence-based transition assessment guide framed by A. Maslow's (1972) hierarchy of needs.