Research about the lives of adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum has lagged far behind research focused on children. Our research team has found that many individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during childhood face difficult experiences at school, work, and in the social world during adolescence and adulthood. However, we do not know how to improve these everyday experiences in order to increase happiness and well-being–something that everyone deserves.
The purpose of this study is to identify which specific day-to-day experiences are problematic, which experiences are beneficial, and which experiences are connected to negative outcomes like anxiety and depression. We expect that this information will lead to new interventions and programs for improving the daily lives of adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum. We also understand that not everyone reacts to the same experiences in the same ways, so we are especially excited to learn more about how interventions might be personalized to be more effective.
Collaborators
Julie Lounds Taylor, PhD
Ryan Adams, PhD