The Role of Acceptance in the Transition to Adulthood: A Multi-Informant Comparison of Practitioners, Families, and Youth with Autism.

Lee et al. (2022) talked with three groups: autistic young adults, parents, and transition professionals.

They asked each group what helps or hurts well-being during the move to adult life.

The team looked for common themes across the interviews.

All groups said acceptance is key. Youth need to accept their own autism and sensory needs.

They also need doctors, teachers, and neighbors to accept them.

Yet most youth and parents said people do not understand autism. This lack of understanding blocks good transition plans.

Anderson et al. (2017) studied college success and listed four needs: prep beyond grades, college fit, campus supports, and family supports. Lee et al. (2022) echo the family piece but add a new layer: acceptance must come first, or the four supports feel empty.

Kirby (2016) showed higher parent expectations predict better jobs and independence. Lee et al. (2022) agree, yet reveal a twist: expectations rise only when parents feel their child is accepted by others. Without community acceptance, hope drops.

Aitken et al. (2026) interviewed autistic adults aged 46-72. They still fight for autism-informed services. Lee et al. (2022) foreshadow this lifelong struggle by showing acceptance gaps start at 18.

Bransgrove et al. (2025) describe late-diagnosed adults who build identity through peer and media support. Lee et al. (2022) show the same need for peer validation, but capture it earlier, during the transition years.

You can add an acceptance check to every transition plan. Ask the youth: “Where do you feel accepted?” Ask parents: “Where do you feel judged?” Then list real places and people that show respect. Build goals around those safe spots. When doctors or teachers dismiss sensory needs, coach families to share short autism facts sheets. Acceptance is free, but only if we put it on the table first.