“I Just Want Him to Live, Basically”: Parent Perspectives on Facilitators and Barriers to a Successful Transition to Adulthood for Black Autistic Youth

Despite disparities in outcomes, few studies have focused on understanding the experiences of Black autistic youth or their caregivers during the transition to adulthood. This descriptive qualitative study sought insight into how parents of Black youth with autism (a) defined “success” during the transition to adulthood and (b) described facilitators and barriers to this success. Using community cultural wealth theory to guide the study, semistructured interviews were conducted with seven parents of Black autistic youth. Data were analyzed inductively through thematic analysis. One overarching theme, “I just want him to live, basically,” captured how parents described success. This theme focused on their children communicating effectively and being understood, growing in their independence, and having fulfilling relationships. Findings also included four additional themes, which captured the challenges (barriers) that Black youth and families encountered and the corresponding supports (facilitators) that could make a difference in their experiences: (a) difficulty adjusting (barrier): support from the family (facilitator), (b) challenging school experiences (barrier): family advocacy (facilitator), (c) confusing and inadequate adult services (barrier): connection to and expansion of resources (facilitator), and (d) stigma and misunderstanding (barrier): changed societal perceptions (facilitator). Implications for practice and policy are provided to support success for Black autistic youth and their families during the transition to adulthood.