Date
5-2013
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Chair
Anita Fauber
Primary Subject Area
Education, General; Education, Secondary; Education, Educational Psychology; Health Sciences, Mental Health
Keywords
ASD, Asperger's Disorder, Autism, Transition and Autism, Young Adults Autism
Disciplines
Education | Educational Psychology | Mental and Social Health | Psychology
Recommended Citation
Galler, Susan, "Voices of Young Adults with Autism and Their Perspective on Life Choices After Secondary Education" (2013). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 705.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/705
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative research study was to explore how young adults who have an autism spectrum disorder perceive their life choices after secondary education. The focus participants in the sample were young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For the purpose of this research, ASD includes autism and Asperger's Disorder. Participants between the ages of 18 and 33 were located through purposive sampling in the states of Minnesota and Tennessee, as the author has previously worked in these states. Participants were asked five open ended focus questions during the span of two face to face interviews. Questions focused on their experiences of the transition from high school to their current placement and choices in activities, relationships, challenges and supports. The interviews were audio and video-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed to determine themes through a causal comparative method.
