title: Bridges and barriers to successful transitioning as perceived by adolescents and young adults with Asperger syndrome.
abstract: In this thematic content analysis we examined the expectations, and perceived facilitators of (referred to as bridges) and barriers to transition to community as reported by adolescents and young adults with Asperger syndrome. Participants were adolescents/young adults, ages 18-23 years were from the East Coast of the United States. Seventy percent of adolescents hoped for employment (n = 10). Thirty percent desired to find a partner and raise a family. Perceived barriers were: self-assessed behavioral problems, self-assessed associated features, other personal factors, and institutional factors. Bridges to facilitate transition were: accommodations in the community, cognitive abilities, personal qualities/strengths, and mentor's qualities.
authors.affiliation: Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Philadelphia, PA. Electronic address: eg446@drexel.edu.
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Giarelli
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ruttenberg
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Segal
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adolescents; Asperger syndrome; Autism spectrum disorder; Transition to community