The first 100 days: Parental perceptions of the transition to residential care of an autistic adult with intellectual disability

Studies of the transition of disabled children to adult services suggest that family involvement is a key factor in promoting positive outcomes. Few studies, however, include parental perspectives on transition, or focus on adults with intellectual disability. This article identifies the preoccupations of a mother of an autistic man with intellectual disability as he moves from the family home to a residential setting. Drawing on an analysis of blog posts made over a period of 100 days, and a review of the wider literature, key challenges and opportunities for the residential setting and person moving from the family home, as well as for the parent, are identified. It is suggested that the effective transition of an autistic adult with intellectual disability to a residential setting is likely to involve support for parents, as well as support from parents. Recommendations for improving the parental experience of transition are made.