Ways environment shapes participation of adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The level of participation in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is generally reduced. In a developmental age where participation in social context becomes a transitional task, these adolescents face barriers due to differences in social communication and restricted activities. Participation is shaped by physical, social or attitudinal environmental conditions and a supporting or hindering influence on participation is presumed. While this is well recognized for most childhood disabilities, similar research in the field of adolescents with ASD is missing.

Thus, this PHD project aims to deepen knowledge and gain understanding about the relationship between environment and participation in adolescents with ASD. After scoping the literature, adolescent’s views of environments during their participation are investigated. As parents play a vital role in mediating participation, it is looked at their strategies to promote participation. With a translated and cross-cultural adapted PEM-CY (Participation and Environment Measurement – Child and Youth) into German, a cross-sectional investigation explores the extend to which environmental features shape the participation of adolescents with ASD. While empirically located in Switzerland, results deliver new insights to stakeholders like policy makers, service provides and professionals in different countries on how environments can be used to support participation of adolescents with ASD.

Contact
Beate Krieger, beate.krieger@zahw.ch