Daily experiences and mental health study
        
     
    
        
    
    
        Project Description:
        Research about the lives of adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum has lagged far behind research focused on children. Our research team has found that many individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during childhood face difficult experiences at school, work, and in the social world during adolescence and adulthood. However, we do not know how to improve these everyday experiences in order to increase happiness and well-being  something that everyone deserves. This study focuses on understanding the influence of social, educational, and work experiences on psychological health for transition-aged youth with autism spectrum disorders
The purpose of this study is to identify which specific day-to-day experiences are problematic, which experiences are beneficial, and which experiences are connected to negative outcomes like anxiety and depression. We expect that this information will lead to new interventions and programs for improving the daily lives of adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum. We also understand that not everyone reacts to the same experiences in the same ways, so we are especially excited to learn more about how interventions might be personalized to be more effective.
     
    
    
        Core Function(s):
        Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information
     
    
        Area of Emphasis
        Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life
     
    
        Target Audience:
        Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
     
    
        Unserved or Under-served Populations:
        Specific Groups
     
    
        Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
        National
     
    
    
        COVID-19 Related Data:
        
                Yes