“Who Is Going to Pay for the Wi-Fi?” Exploring Adulthood from the Perspectives of Autistic Youth

Abstract Background: The transition to adulthood involves achievement of objective milestones, yet becoming an adult is also widely considered a subjective experience. Much of the extant research about autistic adulthood focuses on the objective aspects of adulthood, with little emphasis on the subjective experience of adulthood. There is lack of research incorporating the perspectives of autistic youth about preparation for becoming an adult. Methods: Using semistructured interviews with 27 autistic adolescents (12–17 years old), we examined youth considerations for adulthood. In a subset of the sample ( n = 8), we also examined youth perspectives on adulthood in general. The research team conducted qualitative thematic analysis with an inductive, iterative approach. Results: Adolescents considered a variety of factors when considering their plans and desires for adulthood, including their family connections, their own interests and abilities, characteristics of their future situations, and chronological progressions. When speaking about adulthood in general, participants discussed the importance of factors such as age/accomplishment and responsibility/maturity. Conclusions: This study confirms the appropriateness and importance of conversations with autistic youth about their own adult futures. Understanding how autistic youth understand and consider adulthood can help inform the development of improved supports and services during the transition to adulthood, and promote positive adulthood experiences. Lay Summary This article describes a research study that included interviews with 27 autistic adolescents (ages 12–17). During the interviews, the adolescents discussed their plans and desires for their adult lives. Research of this kind is important as it expands understanding of the perspectives of autistic individuals in the discussions about important aspects of their lives. Findings of the study suggested that autistic youth considered a variety of things when thinking about their adult lives including their family connections, their own interests and abilities, characteristics of their future situations, and chronological progressions. When asked about their perspectives on adulthood, participants discussed considerations such as age/accomplishment and responsibility/maturity. These results can help those who are developing services aimed at autistic youth preparing for adulthood. This study also confirms the appropriateness of having discussions with autistic youth about their futures.