Home > Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, autism spectrum disorders > Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders

August 30, 2012

Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders (PDF)

Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Few studies have been conducted to assess treatment approaches for adolescents and young adults with ASD, and as such there is very little evidence available for specific treatment approaches in this population; this is especially the case for evidence-based approaches to support the transition of youth with autism to adulthood. Of the small number of studies available, most were of poor quality, which may reflect the relative recency of the field. Five studies, primarily of medical interventions, had fair quality. Behavioral, educational, and adaptive/life skills studies were typically small and short term and suggested some potential improvements in social skills and functional behavior. Small studies suggested that vocational programs may increase employment success for some individuals. Few data are available to support the use of medical or allied health interventions in the adolescent and young adult population. The medical studies that have been conducted focused on the use of medications to address specific challenging behaviors, including irritability and aggression, for which effectiveness in this age group is largely unknown and inferred from studies including mostly younger children.

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Categories: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, autism spectrum disorders
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