Services in Minoritized Autistic Adolescents and Adults Varying in Language Skills

Abstract

Background: Racially and ethnically minoritized autistic individuals face intersectional disparities in access to services and research representation. Prior work tends to overlook individual preferences, lived expertise, and the of language skills in services. To address this gap, this community-based participatory study examines the presence and correlates of services in minoritized autistic adolescents and adults varying in language skills. Method: Participants (N = 73, ages 13-30, >50% with language scores ≤ -1.25 SD and ~30% with NVIQ < 70 to 84) completed a behavioral assessment protocol. Participants and caregivers completed questionnaires. Descriptive and regression analyses evaluated patterns and predictors of number of services received, unmet needs, and barriers. Results: Participants received multiple services yet had multiple unmet service needs and barriers. Effects of individual differences and social-ecological variables on services received, unmet needs, and barriers varied in presence and magnitude when using a categorical versus continuous approach to individual differences. Implications: While the number of services received and unmet needs were similar to prior work, examination of individual services, unmet needs, and barriers suggested differences. Effects point to nuance in experiences during the transition to adulthood and motivate use of participatory approaches to build the evidence base informing practice and advocacy.