Preparing for the future: multi-stakeholder perspectives on autonomous goal setting for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Currently, adolescents with autism spectrum disorder are rarely active participants in the goal setting process. This study provides novel data, from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, about barriers, perceptions, and actualities related to autonomous goal setting for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Implications for rehabilitation Adolescent participation in autonomous goal setting is an important component of self-determination. Rehabilitation professionals, parents, and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder identified similar barriers to autonomous goal setting. Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder described goals as short-term, concrete tasks, whereas parents perceived involvement in goal setting as a gateway to long-term self-determination. Rehabilitation professionals and parents acknowledged the benefits and advocated for increased involvement of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in the goal setting process. Similar to the paradigm shift toward family-centered care, rehabilitation professionals need to shift to include the involvement and participation of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.