Lived experiences and views of Greek parents about self-determination of young adults with autism spectrum disorder

Βιωμένες εμπειρίες και απόψεις Ελλήνων γονέων για θέματα αυτο-προσδιορισμού νέων ενηλίκων με διαταραχή αυτιστικού φάσματος (ελληνικά)
Published: Mar 31, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/jret.38129
Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Self-determination skills Young adults with ASD Parents of young adults with ASD Experiences of parents of young adults with ASD
Despina Papoudi
University of Thessaly
Παναγιώτα Σταυρούση
University of Thessaly
Konstantina Chatzoglou
University of Thessaly
Abstract

Self-determination refers to ensuring the autonomy of the individual, who acts as a causal agent in his life without external influences and the development of self-determination skills is associated with increased levels of quality of life and independence in adulthood. Parents play a key role in the development of self-determination skills and this study explores the self-determination skills of young adults with autism spectrum disorder through the lived experiences and views of their parents. The study relied on qualitative methodology and a semi-structured interview guide was created. Interviews were conducted with five parents, with an average age of 51.8 years. The results of the study showed that some of the self-determination skills of young adults with autism spectrum disorder, such as decision-making, self-awareness or choice-making, are quite developed. Conversely, skills such as goal setting or problem-solving need strengthening and improvement. All parents highlighted the benefits of self-determination and the obstacles to its development and pointed out that their role in strengthening self-determination is active and decisive.

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