1- Médico Interno, Psiquiatria da Infância e da Adolescência, Área da Mulher, Criança e Adolescente, Hospital Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisboa.
2- Médico Especialista, Psiquiatria da Infância e da Adolescência, Área da Mulher, Criança e Adolescente, Hospital Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisboa.
- Congresso internacional: póster apresentado no 19th World Psychiatric Association World Congress of Psychiatry.
Introdução: ASD is becoming more prevalent, being diagnosed in 1 in 59 children. These children are increasingly transitioning to adulthood with many goals regarding their education, vocation and degree of independence. This transition, which occurs between 18 and 22 years old, corresponds to the end of high school and it may be challenging to families due to the absence of service facilities and poor planning.
Objectivos: Understanding the main issues of young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are transitioning to adulthood and what could be done to ensure the best outcomes.
Metodologia: Non-systematic review through Pubmed search, using the keywords: "autism spectrum disorder" and "transition to adulthood".
Resultados: Studies reveal poor outcomes for transitioning individuals with ASD at multiple domains - education, vocational training, employment and healthcare, as well as an increased risk for several medical and behavioral health comorbidities. Although evidence on interventions for mental health disorders for this population is limited, mindfulness training and behavioral therapy are being studied.
Conclusões: Clinicians should provide anticipatory guidance and inform about support structures in the community, starting before the child reaches the adulthood. If resources are not available, there is a higher risk of social isolation, financial adversity and institutionalization. Further research as well as policies and system changes are needed to achieve better transition outcomes for these patients.
Palavras Chave: Adulthood, Autism, Transition