Brief Report: Community Needs Assessment for Autistic Adults: Perspectives from Autistic Adults and Those Who Support Them

Abstract

Autistic adults tend to have poorer outcomes related to education, employment, daily living skills, social relationships, and well-being compared to their non-autistic peers. A severe shortage of appropriate and effective supports is available to autistic adults. In this study, 251 individuals across various respondent groups (autistic adults, caregivers, educators, service providers) completed an online needs assessment survey to examine perceived goals and needs of autistic adults in the community. The most commonly reported goals centered on employment, social relationships, life skills, independence, and physical health. Sixty-four percent of the autistic individuals reported having the support they need to reach their goals, although the majority of respondents did not report receiving services related to these goals (e.g., vocational rehabilitation, social skills support, dietician). Family support was the most commonly reported support currently available to autistic adults, and the majority of autistic adults reported that informal supports are helpful in meeting personal goals. Autistic adults desire additional access to services such as personal coaching, personal care assistance, and dietician support. Other stakeholders also report an additional need for supports related to social relationships and transportation. Mental health concerns and social challenges were noted as primary barriers to achieving personal goals.

Note:
Funding declaration: This research was supported by a grant from Minnesota Life College (now Minnesota Independence College and Community) and support from the University of Minnesota’s Department of Pediatrics.

Conflict of Interests: Dr. Hudock serves on the National Professional Advisory Board for Minnesota Independence College & Community and does not receive compensation for this role. Authors have no other relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Ethical Approval: The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Minnesota. All participants provided electronic consent to participate.

Keywords: autism, adulthood, needs assessment, supports