The purpose of this Workshop is to provide child and adolescent psychiatrists, and other health professionals, with a review of special issues for helping parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as they transition to adulthood. Sources of stress for caregivers, types of interventions, vocational rehabilitation, advocacy, and long term care issues are discussed. Clinicians are able to address the individual needs of each patient with more information about the legal rights and accommodations for a child with ASD as they transition to adulthood and the different models of care for persons with low- and high-functioning autism. Participants in this Workshop identify needs and concerns for parents of children with ASD, types of programs that are available for adults with ASD, and physician and parent advocacy roles when there is limited availability of resources.
Thursday, October 29, 2009: 7:00 AM-10:00 AM