Post–High School Service Use Among Young Adults With an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

To produce nationally representative population estimates of rates of service use among young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during their first few years after leaving high school and to examine correlates of use. Nationally representative telephone survey from 2007-2008. United States. Parents and guardians of young adults with ASD ages 19-23. Use of services in the prior two years or since leaving high school: mental health services, medical evaluation and assessment, speech therapy, and case management. Rates of service use ranged from a low of 9.1% for speech therapy to a high of 41.9% for case management; 39.1% received no services. The adjusted odds of no services were higher among African Americans and those with low incomes. The adjusted odds of case management were lower among youth with high functional skills and those with low incomes. Rates of service disengagement are high after exiting high school. Disparities by race and socioeconomic status indicate a need for targeted outreach and services.