Launching! To Adulthood: an Updated Group Therapy Program for Young Adults with Neurodevelopmental Differences...

The transition to adulthood is a formative period of development for young adults, as they work towards independence and managing adult responsibilities. This time can be especially difficult for young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs; such as autism spectrum disorder [ASD] or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]), who may experience executive functioning and social communication difficulties. Parents also may experience an increased burden during this transition. However, evidence-based interventions for young adults with NDDs rarely integrate parents. The present study provided initial feasibility and acceptability data for a therapy program for young adults with NDDs transitioning to adulthood and their parents.

The updated intervention, called Launching! to Adulthood, is a 10-week therapy program based on evidence-based interventions, designed to reduce distress and support the transition to independence for young adults with NDDs and their parents. The updated Launching! to Adulthood therapy program now includes weekly Motivational Interviewing (MI) coaching sessions for young adults. Measures of feasibility, acceptability, and well-being were collected pre- and post-intervention from participants (n = 28).

The updated Launching! to Adulthood therapy program was acceptable and feasible for the 28 participants, with high ratings of satisfaction. Young adults (n = 12) experienced a significant reduction in depression symptoms and a significant increase in quality of life, while parents (n = 16) experienced significant reductions in caregiver burden.

By integrating individualized MI coaching sessions for young adults with separate group therapy sessions for parents and young adults, the updated Launching! to Adulthood therapy program has the potential to support young adults with NDDs and their families during the transition to adulthood.