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Best Practices in Supporting Social Participation of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) : A Systematic Review.

Poster Presentation
Friday, May 3, 2019: 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Room: 710 (Palais des congres de Montreal)
M. Couture1, E. L. Bussières2, J. Trépanier3, O. Laverdière4, M. H. Poulin5, D. St-Laurent6, J. Berbari7 and C. Dumont8, (1)Rehabilitation, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, (2)Psychology, Université du Quebec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada, (3)Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, (4)FAculté de Médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, (5)Psychoeducation, UQAT, Rouyn-Noranda, QC, Canada, (6)Psychoeducation, UQAT, Royn-Noranda, QC, Canada, (7)FAculté de médecine, Unviersité de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, (8)Rehabilitation, UQTR, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
Background:

The majority of ASD studies focuses on early childhood and early interventionwhile the challenges associated with autonomy and independent living is a major issue for adults with ASD.

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review (SR) is to document the effectiveness of interventions to support social participation of young adult with autism (16-40 years old).

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify published articles and unpublished dissertations, using the following databases ProQuest, Medline, PsycInfo, Cinhal, ERIC. The research covered the period from 1 January 2000 to 1 September 2018. Two persons independently screened articles for eligibility. Studies were included if they: 1) include more than 10 participants ; 2) focuses on at least one aspect of transition to adulthood, including social relations, employment and independent living. Critical appraisal of included studies was done using the Scientific Merit Rating Scale (National Autism Center, 2015) by two independent persons.

Results: Fourteen studies were retained, evaluating work-related interventions (10 studies), independent living programs (3 studies) and a leisure program (1 study). Methodological quality varies greatly across studies. Among high quality studies, three different interventions appear promising: a leisure program and two programs related to work, including a virtual training to job interviews, and a school-based employability program including an internship.

Conclusions: This SR suggests that interventions targeting transition to adulthood may be beneficial; it also highlights the need for more research, especially regarding the effectiveness of programs targeting independent living

See more of: Interventions - Non-pharmacologic - School-Age, Adolescent, Adult
See more of: Interventions - Non-pharmacologic - School-Age, Adolescent, Adult