Young Adults with Autism Struggle with Isolation, Study Finds

Tossing a high school graduation cap into the air typically signals the launch of a bigger life. But for many young adults with autism, summer after senior year is when the world begins to narrow.

Lacking the structure high school provides, they too often fall into isolation. Too much unscheduled time can produce anxiety, leading to reclusive routines, according to Sharon Spurlock, who’s worked with people with developmental disabilities for more than 30 years.