The Adaptation and Translation of a Transition Readiness Scale for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autistic young adults often face significant challenges during the transition to adulthood, yet few tools exist to assess their readiness in a developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive manner. This study presents the development and initial validation of the Transition Readiness Scale for Autistic Adolescents and Adults (TRS-A), a brief caregiver- and self-report measure designed to assess key domains of transition readiness. Guided by qualitative input from Latino families, community stakeholders, and clinicians, the TRS-A was piloted with 114 autistic young adults, 66 Spanish-speaking parents, and 48 English-speaking parents. Psychometric analyses supported the scale's internal consistency and construct validity, mirroring the results from the initial development of the measure, with TRS-A scores correlating with adaptive functioning and mental health outcomes. The TRS-A offers a promising way to identify strengths and needs in autistic youth as they prepare for adult roles and responsibilities. Future research should explore its use across broader populations and its predictive value in transition-related interventions and clinical decision-making.