BARRIERS TO ACCESSING SUPPORT SERVICES IN EMPLOYMENT AND HEALTH CARE FOR ADULTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

The following study sought to identify what are some of the major barriers to accessing employment support services and health care related services within the population of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The study also seeks to determine if the leveraging of social capital networks is useful in opening support service opportunities for autism-related needs. The study conducted seven in-depth, qualitative interviews with five adults with ASDs and two family members who were conservators for adults with autism. With participant permissions, all interviews were video recorded to allow for close review, and reflection of, interview data. The study found that major barriers do exist for adults with ASDs who wish to access employment or health care related support services. Major employment barriers for participants included wide unavailability of information and services themselves, lack of authentic job training opportunities in secondary school, as well as lack of training in "soft skills" like portfolio building, resume writing, and interviewing. Major health care barriers for participants included a lack of national and state policies which address population health needs, and a lack of emphasis in preventative care opportunities. Limitations also exist in the number of providers trained in offering service deliverables for the unique needs of this population. With regard to social capital, data found that social capital networks were useful in opening doors to local and community services, but far less effective at the state and federal levels, where more numerous opportunities for funding and services are available.