for Emerging Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Originally defined by Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, PhD in 2000, emerging adulthood describes a period of development between the ages of 18-29, for which the individual is moving from late adolescence to the now delayed full-fledged adulthood. Arnett attributes the recognition of this new stage of development to several societal changes that occurred in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Since Arnett’s original work, he and other researchers have confirmed the need for recognizing unique characteristics present during emerging adulthood such as: identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling “in-between”, as well as possibilities and optimism.

For those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), delays in social and emotional development related to the disorder can greatly impact the speed and depth of movement through developmental tasks in both adolescence and emerging adulthood. A childhood diagnosis of ASD has also been found to be a predictor of poorer quality of life in emerging adulthood, using both subjective and objective measures. In addition, the influence of both anxiety and sensory oversensitivity has been found to have influences on the development of problem behaviors. Diving into the potential root causes of this connections between comorbidities and ASD reveals implications for treatment.

After demonstrating the prevalence and connection of ASD to comorbid psychiatric disorders, participants in this workshop will explore several evidence-based supportive clinical interventions for emerging adults with ASD who encounter comorbid mental health challenges. Methods for adapting cognitive behavioral techniques for emerging adults for the treatment of depression and anxiety will be presented. Finally, the key role of family supports in this transitional phase of life for adults with ASD will be presented along with possible implications for incorporating family and/or caregivers into the therapeutic process.

Learning Objectives

1. List the age range and 6 developmental characteristics associated with emerging adulthood.
2. Describe the most common internalizing and externalizing problems associated with ASD during the stages of childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood.
3. Compare and contrast how a history of internalizing problems impact quality of life for emerging adults with and without ASD.
4. Identify at least 2 key methods for adapting cognitive behavior therapy techniques for emerging adults with ASD.
5. Discuss the potential influences of sensory overstimulation on problem behaviors in emerging adults with ASD.
6. Plan for ways to incorporate family supports in the therapeutic process for emerging adults with ASD.