Lived experiences of parents of young adults on the autism spectrum transitioning to adulthood

Abstract

As young adults with autism spectrum disorder transition to adulthood, they face distinct realities and challenges in achieving typical milestones. While previous research has focused heavily on parents of young children, few studies have explored the lived experiences and evolving identities of parents during their young adult child’s transition to adulthood. This qualitative study addresses this gap by interviewing five biological parent couples in the Panay Area. The findings reveal that as young adults with autism enter adulthood, parents confront shifting responsibilities and uncertainties. This process acts as a catalyst for learning and unlearning values, maintaining individual identities, and becoming advocates for the autism community. To sustain themselves, parents utilize a variety of coping mechanisms and support systems. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that parenting does not cease at adulthood; rather, it evolves. Parents constantly negotiate the balance between guiding their children into adulthood and fostering independence, emerging from the journey with a heightened sense of purpose and happiness grounded in unconditional love for their young adults with autism.