[Autism spectrum disorders-Transition from adolescence into adulthood]

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with a prevalence of approximately 0.7%. People with ASD show characteristic social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, routine-like and inflexible behavior, special interests and altered perception. ASD manifest in the first decade of life and usually persist throughout life. Like most other neurodevelopmental disorders, they are therefore inevitably not only a topic of child and adolescent psychiatry, psychosomatics and psychotherapy (CAPPP) but also of adult psychiatry, psychosomatics and psychotherapy (APPP); however, the transition from adolescence into adulthood poses a particular challenge for affected individuals, their caregivers, as well as for professionals in the healthcare and social welfare systems. Key aspects of the transition period include the treatment of comorbid mental, cognitive and language disorders as well as social legislation and healthcare aspects. This article depicts these aspects from the perspective of CAPPP and APPP.