Post-school needs of young people with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

• The majority of the 95 young people were unemployed or underemployed.
• Most had very low levels of engagement in social activities.
• Less than 10% of the sample had needs fully met by existing services.
• Service priorities were employment support and specialised support to assist with completing post-school education and training.

This study describes the post-school circumstances and service needs of older teenagers and adults with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, living in Queensland, Australia. The respondents were 95 parents. Results indicated that the majority of the young people lived in the family home and were unemployed. Of those who worked, 56% had unskilled jobs. They were estimated to spend a significant proportion of their time engaged in solitary, technology-based activities, and comparatively little time in employment or socialising. Parents rated employment support as the greatest service priority for their sons and daughters, followed by specialised support to assist with completing post-school education and training, assistance to support the transition from high school to adulthood, and social skills training.