| Abstract: Despite the ongoing advances in effective intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder, outcomes in adulthood remain highly variable. This panel will discuss the literature on adult outcomes and the factors that appear to play a role. Presenters will share perspectives and experiences on how families, supporting organizations, and individuals with autism spectrum disorder can work together to plan early and effectively for the transition to adulthood. Gaps encountered in ABA-based educational settings with regard to planning and programming for adulthood will be shared, along with successful strategies to ensure essential skills are identified and developed. The panel will integrate information from available research on adult outcomes, and direct experience as service providers in areas including: identifying appropriate curricular targets, consideration of different approaches to build essential skills, assessment, progress monitoring, risk analysis, individual choice making, and approaches to service delivery fidelity and accountability. Panel presenters will share experiences and insights from three different service organizations across the United States of America, each of which utilizes different approaches, models, and funding sources, while maintaining a strong commitment to effective services grounded in applied behavior analysis. |