Description

What happens during the transition to adulthood for youth with autism spectrum disorders?

Leaving high school is a time of great change for all youth, but especially for youth with ASD. This research study will examine the changes that happen for youth with ASD during this time as well as the factors associated with a positive transition. We will be looking at stress response, behaviors, services, and the family environment.

Participation involves:

Each visit will involve:

• Psychological testing of youth with autism (first visit only)
• Collecting samples of the son or daughter’s saliva for 4 days (4 times each day) to measure cortisol (a stress hormone)
• Interviews and questionnaires for parents
• Youth may be asked to complete a public speaking task (second visit only)

Participant Criteria

Youth with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum who are in their last year of high school or planning to leave high school within the next 12 months.

Compensation

$40 for each visit and a report of the evaluation

Visit Requirements

3 visits over 2 years

Brochure

Download Brochure

Contact Information

Natalie Henninger
615-343-4145
Natalie.a.henninger@vanderbilt.edu