| Title: |
'It's Really Who They Are and What They Want': Staff Perspectives on Supporting Autonomy for Autistic Adults with Intellectual Disabilities |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Jackie Ryan (ORCID 0000-0003-3089-4888); Heather M. Brown; Anne Borden; Christina Devlin; Adam Kedmy; Austin Lee; David B. Nicholas; Sandy Thompson-Hodgetts |
| Source: |
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2025 38(4). |
| Availability: |
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
12 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires |
| Education Level: |
Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Personal Autonomy; Adults; Self Determination; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Intellectual Disability; Comorbidity; Transitional Programs; Postsecondary Education; Interpersonal Relationship; School Personnel; Self Advocacy; Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: |
Canada |
| DOI: |
10.1111/jar.70106 |
| ISSN: |
1360-2322; 1468-3148 |
| Abstract: |
Background: Autonomy is a crucial component of self-determination, yet it is limited for Autistic individuals, especially those with co-occurring intellectual disabilities. We explored how professionals supported Autistic people with intellectual disabilities' autonomy. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study used a community-based participatory approach. Nine staff who worked within a post-secondary transition programme to support Autistic young adults with intellectual disabilities were interviewed. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The quality and depth of relationships between staff and Autistic adults with intellectual disabilities, and a safe, supportive environment, were critical to supporting autonomy. Staff also identified several skill areas that would benefit program participants to exert their autonomy, including self-advocacy, interoceptive awareness, working with others, and understanding choices. Conclusions: This crucial information for supporting autonomy for Autistic adults with intellectual disabilities provides a basis for enacting programme change to promote self-determination. Recommendations for staff and programme development are provided. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1481400 |
| Database: |
ERIC |