The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand, as a lived experience, the parents’ quality of life (QoL) with young adult children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) residing on a college campus. In addition, this study helped understand parent experiences related to factors about transition and their QoL. For parents of adult children with ASD in a college residency setting, many stressful and challenging times were attributed to their child living outside the home, which ultimately impacted parental stress and the parents’ QoL. The theory guiding this study is the Schlossberg Transition Theory (1981), and the 4 S Transition model of assimilation and appraisal was used to conceptualize the framework. The central research question for this study was designed to understand the lived experiences of parents with young adult ASD children living in a college residency setting and the impact stress and transition had on their QoL. The research sub-questions were designed to understand better parenting a young adult child with ASD and the significant challenges as resources and support systems were limited. A transcendental phenomenological approach was used for this study, and data collection included questionnaires, semi-structured individual interviews, and a single focus group interview. Data analysis was manually collected and included bracketing, open coding, and thematic analysis. The analysis yielded four major themes: Relinquishing Control, Fear of the Unknown, Evolution Within Transition, and Campus Support. In addition, findings from this study also revealed how to support families with adult children affected by autism and enrich the education of professionals who work with them in higher education.

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand, as a lived experience, the parents’ quality of life (QoL) with young adult children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) residing on a college campus. In addition, this study helped understand parent experiences related to factors about transition and their QoL. For parents of adult children with ASD in a college residency setting, many stressful and challenging times were attributed to their child living outside the home, which ultimately impacted parental stress and the parents’ QoL. The theory guiding this study is the Schlossberg Transition Theory (1981), and the 4 S Transition model of assimilation and appraisal was used to conceptualize the framework. The central research question for this study was designed to understand the lived experiences of parents with young adult ASD children living in a college residency setting and the impact stress and transition had on their QoL. The research sub-questions were designed to understand better parenting a young adult child with ASD and the significant challenges as resources and support systems were limited. A transcendental phenomenological approach was used for this study, and data collection included questionnaires, semi-structured individual interviews, and a single focus group interview. Data analysis was manually collected and included bracketing, open coding, and thematic analysis. The analysis yielded four major themes: Relinquishing Control, Fear of the Unknown, Evolution Within Transition, and Campus Support. In addition, findings from this study also revealed how to support families with adult children affected by autism and enrich the education of professionals who work with them in higher education.

Palmer advises parents and professionals how to prepare the student for the transition from school and home life to a new environment and educational challenge, and how to support them through potential problems such as academic pressure, living away from home, social integration and appropriate levels of participation in college.

To deliver services effectively, social workers need to understand the reality of the lives of both parents and adult children with ASD, as well as understanding the QOL and caregiver burden with which the parents are living.

′Every year I read several manuscripts written by mothers about having a child with Asperger′s syndrome. The quality of manuscripts varies considerably. As soon as I started to read ′Living Your Best Life with Asperger′s syndrome′ I knew it was going to be one of my favourite biographies. I was entranced by Karra′s descriptions of her son′s intellectual abilities, his perspective on life and sense of humour. The anecdotes illustrate aspects of Asperger′s syndrome perfectly. Professionals will have the ′Ah ha!′ moment, as the descriptions of events and conversations are consistent with the theoretical models of Asperger′s syndrome. Both parents and professionals need to read this book, and then other children with Asperger′s syndrome will indeed live a better life′ - Professor Tony Attwood ′This book is a worthwhile read and written in a very positive way. Many professionals will find the anecdotes evocative and perhaps illumination. There are also useful and practical tips and ideas noted throughout the book. I would happily recommend it to parents, especially those who are in the early days, post diagnosis and looking for information, ideas and a positive perspective′ - Alison Leask, Chair of Autism, Argyll, Scotland Effectively accommodating the social and academic needs of children on the autistic spectrum is an important task in every school. This book is a practical guide to benefit parents, teachers, Local Education Authorities and international autism organisations. Each chapter provides a summary followed by anecdotal stories that illustrate a point, describing how a young boy navigates his way through the social challenges that he faces every day. Issues covered include: o diagnosis and recognizing the difference; o providing support and understanding; o communication; o concrete thinking. The focus of the writing is how to live your best life despite your difference. The book describes the problems and pain Karra faced as her son changed and encountered difficulties at every stage. She also demonstrates her resilience and determination and the book is a celebration of her son and their relationship. ′This is a very accessible book which would be helpful to parents and teachers meeting autism for the first time. The book charts a success story and as such should make an encouraging read. This would be well worth having a parents′ group or staff room library.′ - Special

Since 2001, The OASIS Guide has been the reliable, comprehensive, authoritative guide to Asperger syndrome. This fully revised, updated, and expanded edition captures the latest in research, strategies, and parenting wisdom, and delivers it all in the empathetic, practical, and hope-filled style The OASIS Guide is famous for. Author Patricia Romanowski Bashe has revised this edition of Asperger Syndrome to reflect the latest in: ·Working with Professionals: building a team, negotiating for your child, and keeping everyone’s focus on high expectations for academic, social, and emotional success. ·Special Education: from early intervention through transition, college, and other postsecondary options, including how special education works and steps to take when it does not. · Health and Safety: sexuality education, health care, and insurance coverage, as well as understanding the real-life health and safety risks children with AS face and learning the steps that only parents can take to protect them. ·Options and Interventions: with an emphasis on established guidelines for evidence-based treatments, including medication, applied behavior analysis, cognitive-behavior therapy, Social Stories, Comic Strip Conversations, and much more. ·Planning for the Future: Teaching today for independence tomorrow. For anyone else with a life touched by AS, Asperger Syndrome: The OASIS Guide is packed with resources to handle any situation, from understanding a diagnosis, realistically evaluating options and interventions, and nurturing the whole child with an eye to emotional health, happiness, and independence in school, at home, and among friends. Raising young people with AS to grow up successful, safe, independent, and happy is the goal. Asperger Syndrome: The OASIS Guide is your map.

Many teenagers with Asperger's Syndrome leave school feeling unsure of how to take the next steps in their lives. Leaving the comforts of home and facing the unknown can be daunting, but with the right support and advice these young adults can adapt and enjoy their newly-acquired independence. Filled with useful advice, easy-to-apply techniques, and insights from both the author's own experiences of Asperger's Syndrome and those of his students, this book is a practical guide for helping young adults on the spectrum achieve independence and learn life-long skills of self-knowledge, self-sufficiency, and self-advocacy. With chapters on social skills, handling finances, keeping healthy, and succeeding in higher education or first employment, Dr. McManmon provides the encouragement that any young Aspie needs to make the transition from an adolescent into a happy, confident and engaged adult. This book will be essential reading for parents, young adults with Asperger's Syndrome, high-functioning autism or learning differences, and any professionals who work with them.