title: Occupational transformation: Parental influence and social cognition of young adults with autism.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Social Cognition and Interaction Training-Autism (SCIT-A) is a social cognition curriculum for young adults with autism developed at the University of North Carolina. This study seeks to further the use of SCIT-A as a tool for family centered practice.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study explored the value of a complementary parent/caretaker support group on occupational performance of young adult children participating in the SCIT-A program. An interprofessional SCIT-A program for young adults with high functioning autism (HFA) was examined for its effect on transition.
  
  
  METHODS
  The program included five parents/caregivers and three young adult males with HFA. Final data collection was performed on three parents/caregivers and one young adult with HFA.
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed methods approach utilized two focus groups for caregivers and young adults. Quantitative results were obtained from the young adult.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This paper describes themes among caregivers which included: (1) swapping family stories; (2) experiencing an epiphany; (3) place-making; and (4) transformation. Results for the young adult are also presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study suggests a positive impact and possible future trajectories of research and programming of social cognition during transition to adult occupations. The importance of support and participation of caretakers to facilitate transition is elucidated.
authors.affiliation: University of New England, Portland, ME, USA.
authors.forename: Kathryn M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Loukas
authors.affiliation: Port Resources, Portland, ME, USA.
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Raymond
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of New England, Portland, ME, USA.
authors.forename: Amanda R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Perron
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of New England, Portland, ME, USA.
authors.forename: Laura A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: McHarg
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of New England, Portland, ME, USA.
authors.forename: Tynisha C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: LaCroix Doe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003071:Cognition; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D066107:Social Skills; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Transition; autism; caretakers; social participation