Charting the Course of Autism in Adulthood

Study participants and procedures

To be eligible for this study, participants should have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, be between 18 to 35 years old, and out of high school or a transition program. If you are interested in participating in this study, please submit your contact information by following this link: https://redcap.link/CCAA or call us at 615-322-2943 or email at transitions@vumc.org

Participants and a parent (or close family member, partner, or friend) will answer questions in an online survey. Then we will conduct a 2-3 hour interview, either over the phone or virtually (using web-based teleconference call software like Zoom). Afterwards, we will follow up with you 6 more times over 3 years, with half of those check ins being brief and the other half being more comprehensive. In the future, we may also invite you to our lab at VUMC for an in-person assessment once it is safe to do so without facial masks. You will receive up to $300 dollars, and the participating parent, partner, or close friend will receive up to $275.

Participation in this study is voluntary.

Our goal is the gather information that will better inform public health and future aimed at improving the livelihoods of individuals on the spectrum. Your participation could have a tremendous impact!

Study research team

Julie Lounds Taylor, PhD is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and an Investigator at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development. Dr. Taylor is an international leader in the study of how to improve the transition to adulthood and adult outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum. With over 75 peer-reviewed publications, she has made important discoveries about the challenges faced by many individuals on the autism spectrum after leaving high school, and the importance of engaging in meaningful work for positive behavioral development. She regularly provides expertise in transition and adult-related issues to federal autism committees and initiatives.

Leann Smith DaWalt, PhD is a Senior Scientist at the Waisman Center and Director for the University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. DaWalt’s research focuses on understanding the impact of having a child with a developmental disability on the family, along with the role the community in supporting healthy development for individuals with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In addition to longitudinal research, her work also focuses on translating research findings into targeted interventions for youth and young adults with ASD.

Many adults on the autism spectrum face difficulties in employment, postsecondary education, and community participation. Challenges do not end once these activities have started - maintaining these activities over time can be just as difficult as getting them in the first place. Yet, almost nothing is known about the factors that promote stability in employment, postsecondary employment or community participation. The goal of this study is to examine the factors, services, and supports that facilitate stability, so that we can inform policies and future interventions to better the lives of adults on the autism spectrum.