Abstract
Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations.
The purpose of this study is to obtain deeper understanding of the challenges that young adults with autism spectrum disorder endure in their pursuit of establishing friendships. A mixed-methods study design was used. Participants were interviewed and completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Results showed that the participants still showed autistic traits, although each AQ component was similar to the norms. Three themes were emerged from the interview: intrinsic value of friendship, friendship as a partnership,
Primary Author and Speaker: Megan C. Chang
Additional Authors and Speakers: Evelyn Lechner, Megan Leu, Julianne Maraccini, Carrie Oxaal, and Jessica Patterson
