Assessment and Treatment Planning in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may present quite differently than children with ASD due to developmental maturation, effects of years of intervention, and differing environmental demands and expectations placed upon them in adulthood as compared to childhood. Support services for adults are much less widely available than for children, and after the age of 21, adults are no longer entitled to a free and appropriate education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). With this reduction in supports and services, young adults may struggle to successfully meet the new demands they face. A comprehensive assessment of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses can aid in treatment planning and in identifying areas of support and accommodation that would be beneficial to the adult.