Environment and participation of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a multi-perspective study

The influence of a person’s environment and its modifying potential on participation (at home, at school or in the community) is well recognized for most childhood disabilities, but scarcely studied for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this dissertation was to deepen the understanding of the role of environment on the participation of adolescents with ASD. Within a mixed method methodology, five consecutive studies were conducted. The empirical parts were performed in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Results highlight the importance of the parental and family environment and adolescents’ need for company during participation. They further point to the special role that information and knowledge play for adolescents with ASD, the effect of physical aspects of the environment, and adolescents’ need for motivation and nudges to connect and engage socially. Combatting negative attitudes is another important characteristic of an engaged, active, and supportive environment. The main role of environments is to make adolescents feel secure and help them to connect.