%0 Journal Article
%T Brief transition-focused education for families of autistic youth: preliminary mixed-methods investigation.
%A Rispoli KM
%A Curtiss SL
%A Naguib S
%J Disabil Rehabil
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 5
%M 38967010
%F 2.439
%R 10.1080/09638288.2024.2365415
%X <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The transition to adulthood is one of the most challenging and complex processes for autistic youth and their families. Few evidence-based transition support programs exist, and those that have garnered support require long-term commitments and resources that may prohibit participation by families with financial and time limitations. The current study investigated the feasibility and initial promise of a brief, caregiver-focused educational transition program for families of autistic youth delivered in the community over a single day.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Quantitative informant-report and qualitative interview data were collected from 12 caregivers of autistic youth before and after program participation. Using a partially mixed sequential equal status design, quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to evaluate change in caregiver transition knowledge and empowerment, as well as caregivers' perceptions of program feasibility, acceptability, and usefulness.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Caregivers reported significant increases in knowledge of transition-related topics and sense of empowerment regarding their family life. Caregiver perceptions of the intervention suggest they found it feasible, acceptable, and useful.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Short-term transition programming may be a helpful option for caregivers who seek transition supports for autistic youth.<BR>The transition to adulthood is a stressful and complex process for autistic adolescents and their caregivers.Many caregivers lack time, financial resources, and access to comprehensive transition supports.Brief educational support is a potential alternative for aiding caregivers in planning for and assisting with adolescents’ postsecondary training/education, employment, social, and living arrangements.The Planning for your Loved Ones Future (PLOF) intervention showed promise in improving caregiver knowledge about transition and sense of empowerment, and was described as feasible, accessible, and helpful by those who participated in a pilot study.