By Associate Professor Amanda Richdale.
Principal Research Fellow, OTARC
Just like all children, children with ASD grow up, and the vast majority will still have ASD. However, until recently the issues affecting adults with ASD, and supports they may need, have been largely ignored. The Autism Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) recognises this with its support for Core Program 3 - Finding a Place in Society. It focuses on the transition of young people with ASD from school to further education and/or employment and examines issues facing adults with ASD. The ultimate goal is to assist adults with ASD to participate in and contribute to society. Interest in the needs of adults with ASD was also evident at the recent International Meeting for Autism Researchers (IMFAR) in Atlanta, USA. The room for the 7.15am Special Interest Group – ‘Approaching Adulthood: Transitional & Vocational Issues in ASD was full, with delegates standing along the back wall. Professor Marsha Mailick presented a keynote address – ‘Adolescents and Adults with ASD and their Families: Life Course Development and B-Directional Effects’ and the series of oral presentations on Adulthood were also well attended.