Community participation of youth with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Background: Community participation is associated with a range of positive developmental outcomes; however, the frequency, depth and resources associated with participation for youth with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not well understood.

Method: Caregivers of 212 youth with ASD and ID and only ID, aged 11-22 years, completed an online survey. Comparisons were made of caregiver reports of diversity and frequency of participation, levels of participation involvement and related environmental barriers and supports.

Results: The diversity and frequency of community participation of youth with ASD and ID approximated that of youth with ID only. Youth with ASD and ID were reported to be significantly less involved in the community activities in which they participated. Environmental features, and in particular, the social demands of community-based activities, were significant barriers to youths' participation.

Conclusions: The current study highlights individual and environmental factors amenable to intervention that may foster successful community participation among youth with ASD and ID.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; community participation; intellectual disability.