Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

Background: This paper summarizes the operational and cultural challenges and challenges of transitioning responsibilities from child and adolescent services to adult services for autism. Challenges related to services and patient characteristics frequently lead to discontinuity of care during this phase, despite the significant intensity of clinical and care needs. It appears that there is a real risk of patients leaving the care system.
Purpose: The authors describe the transition modalities for patients with ASD from child care to adult care, highlighting their clinical and care characteristics. Methodologies shared in the literature are also presented.
Results: Individuals with ASD in transition are at increased risk for several comorbidities and should maintain continuity of care, with appropriate and necessary interventions. Many adults with autism or their families express a desire for independent living, academic or work integration, and social relationships, but often lack the skills and/or resources to successfully achieve these outcomes. Recent literature confirms the organizational and methodological challenges that hinder the transition from childcare to adult services, highlighting possible solutions and shared methodologies.
Conclusions: The transition to adulthood for patients with ASD necessitates providing support regarding community participation issues. To facilitate planning, this work should be planned well before the child reaches adulthood. Despite extensive literature, the transition of a patient with ASD from child and adolescent services to adult services still presents difficulties and, at times, confusion for the family. Therefore, it is essential to promote integrated procedures and joint training between the two types of services, allocating adequate resources to meet this significant care need.