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ERIC Number: EJ1146748
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Jul
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1471-3802
EISSN: N/A
"Leaps of Faith": Parents' and Professionals' Viewpoints on Preparing Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum for Leaving School
Hatfield, Megan; Falkmer, Marita; Falkmer, Torbjorn; Ciccarelli, Marina
Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, v17 n3 p187-197 Jul 2017
Adolescents on the autism spectrum experience difficulty transitioning from secondary school to post-school activities, often due to transition planning processes that do not meet their unique needs. This study identified parents' and professionals' viewpoints on transition planning for adolescents on the autism spectrum. Interviews were completed with nine parents of adolescents on the autism spectrum and four professionals who worked with adolescents on the autism spectrum. A constant comparison approach was used to analyse the transcripts. Four themes were identified, reflecting parents' and professionals' viewpoints on how to meet the transition planning needs of adolescents on the autism spectrum. Supporting adolescents "to grasp the big picture" can enhance motivation to participate in transition planning. Autism can be an "invisible disability"; therefore, encouraging adolescents to be active participants and "to be seen" in transition planning ensures their individual needs are met. Encouraging adolescents "to have high aspirations" in transition planning develops their self-determination. Finally, "to be prepared" for the transition from school may reduce the adolescent's anxiety. Adolescents on the autism spectrum face unique challenges in transition planning. The themes identified in this study provide insight into how parents and professionals might support adolescents with these challenges.
Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A