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Current Psychiatry Reports
Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports 5/2019

01-05-2019 | Autism Spectrum Disorder | Autism Spectrum Disorders (ES Brodkin, Section Editor)

Disparities Based on Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status Over the Transition to Adulthood Among Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum: a Systematic Review

Authors: Jenna Sandler Eilenberg, Madison Paff, Ashley Johnson Harrison, Kristin A. Long

Published in: Current Psychiatry Reports | Issue 5/2019

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Few studies have examined disparities in autism services and functional outcomes over the life course. Transition to adulthood is an especially important developmental period, as it sets up trajectories of adult functioning. This systematic review summarizes patterns of service use and transition outcomes according to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic characteristics over the transition to adulthood.

Recent Findings

Forty studies were included. Low-income and racial/ethnic minority youth on the autism spectrum were less likely to participate in transition planning meetings, enroll in postsecondary education, find competitive employment after high school, live independently, participate in social activities, and receive health care transition services than their White and higher income peers on the autism spectrum.

Summary

Racial/ethnic minority and low-income youth on the autism spectrum were more likely to be disconnected from educational, occupational, and social activities upon entering adulthood. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying these disparities as a first step to addressing them.
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Metadata
Title
Disparities Based on Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status Over the Transition to Adulthood Among Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum: a Systematic Review
Authors
Jenna Sandler Eilenberg
Madison Paff
Ashley Johnson Harrison
Kristin A. Long
Publication date
01-05-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Psychiatry Reports / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 1523-3812
Electronic ISSN: 1535-1645
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1016-1

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