Provision for Adolescents with Autism:  A Phenomenological Study with Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Overview: Recent estimates show approximately 1-in-54 in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Maenner et al., 2020). This qualitative study evaluates the perceived efficacy of licensed clinical social workers in Texas who have provided services to adolescents (ages 18-25) with ASD.Proposal text: Background
When adolescents with ASD approach adulthood they face varied complications due to a lack of adequate support (DaWalt et al., 2018). Recent findings regarding the rise in prevalence of ASD have created a need to provide substantive aid to the ASD population with improved outcomes (Friedman et al.,2013). Complications can result from a breakdown of services, a lack of support and inadequate mental health provision (Smith & Anderson, 2014). Families navigating transition to adulthood with a youth with ASD face a unique set of challenges; this breakdown can be highly stressful for parents and caregivers assisting in supporting roles (Embrett et al., 2016; Friedman et al.,2013; Smith & Anderson, 2014). Barriers to successful transitions were classified as “logistical (ineffective system communication), organizational (negative incentives), and related to clinical governance” (Embrett et al., 2016, p. 259).
The literature suggests social workers are equipped to engage in impactful research that addresses a myriad of concerns surrounding individuals with ASD and their inclusion in society (Bishop-Fitzpatrick, 2017). This qualitative phenomenological study describes the experiences of licensed clinical social workers in Texas and their efficacy in the provision of services to adolescents and transition aged youth with ASD. The data addresses important gaps in social work literature that aims to support the transition to adulthood for adolescents with ASD.
Methods
This phenomenological qualitative study was conducted using a semi-structured interview protocol developed by the primary investigator based on extant literature. The data was collected by the primary investigator in 45-to-60-minute semi-structured one-on-one sessions to ensure confidentiality over a secure Zoom teleconferencing interface. Confidentiality was protected given the use of a secure Zoom teleconferencing interface and the freedom for participants to join the interview from a private location. Qualitative data from interviews was transcribed by Zoom and analyzed using thematic analysis. The researchers bracketed their bias from the analysis process and acknowledged positionality. NVivo 9 software was used to organize the qualitative data transcripts. The primary investigator and a second coder conducted an initial read through of each transcript prior to developing codes for the data. Thematic analysis started with initial significant statements, then grouped these into categorical themes. Using rich description, the researchers documented participants’ experiences.
Conclusion
The data assessed the practice experiences of licensed clinical social workers to further evaluate services to adolescents and transition aged youth with ASD. Because there is a dearth of research available regarding best practices for clinicians in social work regarding ASD during the transition to adulthood, it is important to hear from those most aligned with the practice to complete a need assessment in the literature. The data assists to inform the field of clinical social work as the profession increases the quality-of-service provision to persons with ASD, who are some of the most vulnerable persons among us (Bishop-Fitzpatrick et al., 2019). This objective supports the deep-seated alignment within the social work profession to social justice, and the provision of services to promote full and meaningful inclusion of all persons in society (Bishop-Fitzpatrick et al., 2019).