9 Summary

This week has painted a sometimes sombre picture of the many difficulties and challenges that confront autistic adults in all aspects of their lives. Yet we have also highlighted positive outcomes, individual resilience and the benefits that autistic characteristics may offer at work and in relationships. We will end on a similarly optimistic note with a comment from Alex about his achievements so far and hopes for the future:

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ILONA:

What are your goals and aspirations for the future?

ALEX:

I want to be completely independent. I want my own house. I mean, I've learned to drive. I'm studying now. I've got a job. So I've done those goals in my life.

So I've got a car. I've done my test obviously, three years ago. I've got the-- I've also ticked the box of getting a job. Well, I've done it twice now. I think the next one will be once I get some money, and I'm not needing to-- I don't need to worry about bills.

And that will be to try and get my own house or get a flat or something somewhere. I don't want to be living at home forever. I still want to see my mum, of course. But that's my next goal and then obviously to do my-- and the other one is to get my degree.

ILONA:

So once you've got your degree, and you're set up--

ALEX:

And I'm settled, and I want-- and I've got my-- I say I've got my degree and all that, and I'm getting a decent income, then I want to try and get my own place.

ILONA:

Have you thought about getting married, having a family?

ALEX:

I don't know yet. I'm single, anyway, at the moment. But maybe one day, if that right person is out there. I mean, I haven't-- I haven't just rushed into going out with someone. So I want to find the right person first. I don't just want to do it for the sake of it.

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You should now be able to:

• understand problems relating to the transition into adulthood for autistic people
• appreciate factors that may affect outcomes in adult life
• be aware of the range of outcomes that may result for autistic adults
• understand particular challenges in adult life concerning independence, employment, relationships, legal issues and health
• be familiar with forms of support available for adults and their limitations.

Now you can go to Week 8 [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] , the final week of the course.