Expectations for Transition to Adulthood Among Korean-American Parents Who Raise Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Introduction: The “transition to adulthood” is an ongoing process that starts in early childhood and continues as a child becomes an adolescent. However, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families can experience unique challenges during this stage. Parents’ transition plans for their children with DDs vary by culture. In the United States, independence and autonomy are dominant values in adulthood, which affect shaping adulthood plans and social services for adults with ASD. However, the minority population from other cultures brings different values and views on adulthood of their children with ASD. The purpose of the study is to examine the adulthood plans among Korean-American parents who raise children with ASD in the United States.

Method: A qualitative, in-depth interview method was utilized. Ten Korean-American mothers were recruited who are of the first generation from Korea, raise children with ASD in their homes, and live in the southeast region of the U.S. The semi-structured interviews were about 60 to 90 minutes in length, and they were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis procedures began as data were being collected, and they were analyzed by using thematic analysis. The author read and reread the transcripts to become familiar with the data and coded the transcripts line by line. Iterative processes were conducted to develop main themes.

Results: Five themes were elected: 1) Expectation for their children with ASD, 2) Transitional plan for adulthood, 3) Cultural differences in adulthood plans, 4) Underutilization of mainstream services, and 5) Korean community services. Korean-American mothers who raise children with ASD are more likely to prefer that their children live with them at home after they graduate high school even though there are many residential home systems in the U.S. The environmental and cultural factors affect the decisions they make regarding their child’s adulthood plan. The environmental factors include a child’s symptom severity, comorbid health condition, financial support from the government, and their respective region. 

Discussion: It is noted that the U.S. does not provide mandatory support after children with a disability turn 22 years old, so the support from the government dramatically reduces. American culture tends to be individualistic; thus, more residential home programs for adults with ASD are developed. However, these residential programs do not fit with Korean culture, which tends to be collectivistic; Korean-American parents are more willing to keep their children at home. The findings will inform service providers and policy-makers of the need for developing culturally competent programs to serve minority adults with ASD in the community.