Emerging Adulthood and ASD

Abstract

The term “emerging adulthood”, coined by Arnett (2000, 2006), suggests that for most people in developed, post-industrial Western societies, there is a significant delay in entering adult life and binding frameworks such as marriage/couplehood, having children, higher education, beginning a career, joining a community, and developing a worldview. This phase is generally defined as occurring between the ages of 18 and 25 or even 35. The stage of emerging adulthood allows young people to integrate into frameworks of adult life and to act according to relevant expectations, without the obligations involved. This chapter discusses adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the distinctive persistent and increasing difficulties they encounter during the stage of emerging adulthood. People with ASD often lack age-appropriate encounters and experiences that provide the necessary stimulation for the stage of emerging adulthood. The authors of this chapter established the Milestones for Life organization, which offers a transition preparation course for this population that provides them with tools for independent living in the community. The program’s guiding principle is that the processes and possibilities of the stage of emerging adulthood constitute a springboard for subsequent independence and maturity.