“Outside the Box”: A Phenomenological Study of Social Work Practice with Transition Age Youth with Autism in Texas

Abstract Social workers are practicing “outside the box” as they provide services to youth transitioning into adulthood (ages 18-25) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is due to a lack of social work education on disability related content, deficits in continuing education training opportunities and a lack of available resources. Mental health service provision to persons with ASD is continually evolving for practitioners, requiring providers to stay abreast of changes in practice methods and theory. This qualitative phenomenological study explores the perceived effectiveness of practice and reported needs from social work practitioners providing services to transition age youth (18-25) with ASD. To understand the perceptions of social workers with this population, semi-structured interviews were conducted with licensed social workers ( n =10) in Texas with current or prior experience working with transition age youth with ASD. Interviews provided data on social workers’ perceptions of competence in service provision, which services clients need, and how they stay informed of advances in practice to best serve transition age youth with ASD. Seven themes emerged that have implications for social work education, with the most important theme being a lack of resources to inform social work practice with this population. The authors suggest ways these themes can address the perceived need for more education both in MSW programs and professional continuing education.