Parenting an Adult with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This chapter presents the dilemmas, doubts, feelings, and experiences of parents of adults with ASD. The following topics are addressed: the parents’ responses to a diagnosis of autism in their adult child; the emotional experience of the parent of an adult with HFA, the parent’s concerns and fears, the daily experience of living with an adult on the spectrum, the role of the parent as an intermediary agent, the effects of social support and the difficulties in obtaining services. It is essential to address the needs of parents of adults with HF-ASD. Parental emotional distress has an impact on the lives of the parents themselves and on their adult children. Distressed parents have less energy to take care of their children and respond to their needs. It is harder for them to function effectively with the service systems, to benefit from these services, and to follow their recommendations. More support services are necessary during this critical period of life as well as extensive and comprehensive dissemination of information.