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Why a Guide? How the Autistics’ Guide to Adulthood was developed

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Adulthood is complex. There is a lot to navigate – relationships, employment, finances, mental health and wellbeing. The list goes on.

Autism SA received feedback from the Autistic community through surveys that there was a lack of relevant supports and services specifically developed for adults.

To respond to this need, Autism SA launched a national initiative to bring autistic voices from across the country together to develop the free, self-paced online resource that you now know as the Autistics’ Guide to Adulthood!

How the Guide was developed

To determine what information would be most relevant and useful in navigating adulthood, Autism SA conducted:

  1. A literature review which identified the Australian Autistic communities needs and wants as outlined in research
  2. A national survey for autistic adults to express their needs and wants, in which over 400 autistic adults participated
  3. Keyword searches were used to identify topics that people searched online for
  4. Research on specific topics was completed
  5. Resources and references including research, websites, books, videos, internal resources (such as Autism SA’s Adult Social Program) were used to support the development of the content.
  6. Interviews with autistic specialists and advocates, such as Yenn Perkins and Dr Stephen Shore
  7. The creation of a National Advisory Group of all autistic adults to support the development of the modules and provide personal insight and experiences throughout the modules.

Employment of content writers, 75% of whom were autistic adults

Throughout the research phase, the top 10 topics identified by autistic adults as most important for inclusion included:

  • Self Advocacy
  • Friendships
  • Mental Health
  • Communication
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Romantic Relationships
  • Living independently
  • Entertainment and Leisure
  • Physical Health

Through close collaboration with the National Advisory Group, these topics were developed into the free, online and self-paced modules you can now access.

Sign up to access the Autistics’ Guide to Adulthood.