Table 2 Overview of session topics and goals

Group meeting 1

Introduction

Meet other adults on the spectrum

Find shared interests [68] ^a

Meet other families

Learn about developmental course of ASD ([75] [76] [77];);^a

Group meeting 2

Goal setting and problem solving

Learn about goal setting

Write personal goals that are realistic and measurable

Learn about educational/training services and goal setting [95] ^a

Learn and practice problem-solving method

Group meeting 3

Coping strategies and problem solving

Discuss coping strategies (Essex et al., 1999 [84];)^a

Learn problem-solving method

Problem-solve stress management

Learn about supportive family climates and coping ([6] [84]; [32];; Orsmond et al., 2006)^a

Group meeting 4

Planning for independence

Learn about the importance of planning out and practicing tasks that are important for independent living

Learn about challenges to independence and strategies for supporting independence

Group meeting 5

Employment

Learn about job behaviors ([90, 92]; Taylor & Mailick, 2014)^a

Problem-solve difficulties on the job

Learn about employment services and supports (Taylor & Seltzer, 2012 [92];; Taylor & Mailick, 2014)^a

Discuss advocacy strategies

Group meeting 6

Community and relationships

Learn social planning and conversation strategies

Problem-solve social difficulties

Finding community activities and social opportunities ([27] [68] [95];);^a

Group meeting 7

Personal safety

Discuss communication skills and areas of difficulty. Talk about communication and why it is important to safety

Problem-solve safety concerns

Receive information on long-term planning: powers of attorney, wills, trusts [29, 46]^a

Discuss safety concerns for adults with ASD

Group meeting 8

Health and well-being

Learn about health and well-being during adulthood ([27]; Kring et al., 2010; Lainhart & Folstein, 1994)^a

Learn about risks to parental health and well-being ([1]; Barker et al., 2010 [47];; Seltzer et al., 2010 [86];)^a