This book shows that with appropriate lifelong care, it is possible for those with neurodevelopmental disabilities to achieve supported independence and fulfilling adult lives. It provides a guide for parents on how to prepare their children for adulthood, and describes in detail the kinds of services people with ASDs need to live independently.

In this book a group of international experts guide the reader through the clinical features of adults with autism spectrum disorders, describe the care needs of patients and their families, explain the evolution of the disorders into old age, and highlight what can be done to help. Detailed attention is paid to the medical and psychiatric problems of adults with these disorders and the approach to their education and professional integration. In addition, expert neuroscientists summarize current views on the neurobiology of autism. Autism spectrum disorders are devastating neurodevelopmental disorders. Although diagnosis and therapeutic interventions usually take place in infancy, they are chronic lifelong conditions. Surprisingly, the literature on autism spectrum disorders in adults is scarce. Moreover, most mental health professionals working with adults have little training in autism, and adult mental health services around the world are rarely prepared to address the needs of these patients, which tend to increase with age. This book therefore fills a crucial gap in the literature and will prove useful for all who care for and deal with adults in the Autistic Spectrum.

"Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is estimated at one in 54 people (Maenner et al., 2020). Of people diagnosed with ASD in childhood, 85% continue to meet diagnostic criteria as adults (Billstedt et al., 2005). As with most neurodevelopmental disorders, ASD has historically been primarily studied as a disorder of childhood. However, this tide is changing. An estimated 50,000 adolescents with ASD age into adulthood every year (Shattuck et al., 2012). At this rate, we can expect upward of a half-million more adults with ASD every decade. This reality is inconsistent with the current research focus; only 2% of all ASD-related research focuses on adult outcomes (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2017)"--

This anthology includes essays from a diverse group of adult-diagnosed autistic people. Our essays reflect the value of knowing why—why we are different from so many other people, why it can be so hard to do things others can take for granted, and why there is often such a mismatch between others' treatment of us and our own needs, skills, and experiences. Essay topics include recovering from burnout, exploring our passions and interests, and coping with sensory overload, especially in social situations.

Describes and suggests concrete ways to deal with challenges that may arise in areas of both daily life and love, covering everything from grocery shopping to getting along better with family members. Understanding the special relationship between self-esteem and success at independence, the author's advice is based very purposefully on autistic strengths, and reflects the belief and hope that autistic adults can both contribute to and enjoy all life has to offer.--From publisher description.

Being diagnosed with autism as an adult can be disorienting and isolating; however, if you can understand the condition and how it affects perceptions, relationships, and your relationship with the world in general, a happy and successful life is attainable. Through an introduction to the autism spectrum, and how the Level 1 diagnosis is characterised, the author draws on personal experiences to provide positive advice on dealing with life, health, and relationships following an adult diagnosis. The effect of autism on social skills is described with tips for dealing with family and personal relationships, parenting, living arrangements, and employment. Important topics include disclosure, available resources, and options for different therapeutic routes. On reading this book, you will learn a lot more about the autism spectrum at Level 1, be able to separate the facts from the myths, and gain an appreciation of the strengths of autism, and how autism can affect many aspects of everyday life. Drawing from the author's lived experience, this book is an essential guide for all newly diagnosed adults on the autism spectrum, their families and friends, and all professionals new to working with adults with ASDs.

Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults by Theresa Regan is designed to improve the correct diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in adults. This book provides strategy-based interventions to address issues of personal and household management, medical care, communication, sensory processing symptoms and emotional and behavioral regulation.