How should we support young people with ASD and mental health problems as they navigate the transition to adult life including access to adult healthcare services

Abstract

Abstract For young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the transition from childhood to adulthood especially for those with additional mental health problems can be challenging. Increasing numbers of young people attending child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) have a recognised diagnosis of ASD. What are the outcomes of these young people when they are discharged from CAMHS and how best can services support their needs? In this editorial we consider the emerging literature on transition for young people with long-term conditions and in particular those with ASD. Longer term studies suggest that the outcomes for individuals with ASD across the ability range is mostly poor and that healthcare transfer has generally not been managed well, with service users often reporting a lack of appropriate types of support. Encouragingly there is an increasing awareness of the need to support young people with long-term conditions as they negotiate the many developmental tasks of transition to adulthood. However, less is known about the experiences and aspirations of autistic individuals of all abilities as they transition to adulthood. This knowledge can inform a more nuanced approach to identifying developmentally appropriate outcomes. Recent studies with cognitively able young people with ASD, highlight some features in common with young people with long-term conditions but also the importance of identifying ways to foster underlying skills and the ability of young people with ASD to develop and maintain relationships. Child-focussed and adult-orientated healthcare services need to work directly with autistic individuals and their support networks to facilitate successful engagement with services and enable adults to manage their mental health needs. There is an urgent need to investigate the implementation and effectiveness of research and clinical guideline recommendations that aim to increase wellbeing, health self-efficacy and improve the mental health outcomes for autistic adults.