Provision of Alternative Care for Autistic Adults: A Multi-Stakeholder Qualitative Study in China
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| Title: | Provision of Alternative Care for Autistic Adults: A Multi-Stakeholder Qualitative Study in China |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Xi Wang (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2026 30(5):1305-1316. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Adults, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Foreign Countries, Group Homes, Needs, Social Services, Institutionalized Persons, Residential Programs, Private Agencies, Public Agencies, Family (Sociological Unit), Place of Residence, Services |
| Geographic Terms: | China |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613261434406 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | Providing alternative care for autistic adults unable to live with their biological families remains a low priority, particularly for those requiring high support. This population often receives inadequate attention despite its significant and long-term developmental needs. Using an exploratory qualitative design with ethnographic methods, this study conducted directed content analysis on data collected through 4 months of participant observation and 36 semi-structured interviews across four Chinese cities. The findings reveal that small-group alternative care emphasizes the physical and psychological development of autistic adults. However, charitable expectations among alternative care institutions and charitable donors lag behind the actual care needs of autistic adults with high support needs, limiting resource efficiency. The "present bias" diminishes recognition of the long-term societal benefits of developmental care. In developing contexts, achieving cohesive and sustainable nursing strategies led by non-state actors is crucial. A misalignment between charitable motivations and developmental priorities creates a "care sustainability gap" that threatens the continuity and effectiveness of alternative care for autistic adults. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1503257 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Providing alternative care for autistic adults unable to live with their biological families remains a low priority, particularly for those requiring high support. This population often receives inadequate attention despite its significant and long-term developmental needs. Using an exploratory qualitative design with ethnographic methods, this study conducted directed content analysis on data collected through 4 months of participant observation and 36 semi-structured interviews across four Chinese cities. The findings reveal that small-group alternative care emphasizes the physical and psychological development of autistic adults. However, charitable expectations among alternative care institutions and charitable donors lag behind the actual care needs of autistic adults with high support needs, limiting resource efficiency. The "present bias" diminishes recognition of the long-term societal benefits of developmental care. In developing contexts, achieving cohesive and sustainable nursing strategies led by non-state actors is crucial. A misalignment between charitable motivations and developmental priorities creates a "care sustainability gap" that threatens the continuity and effectiveness of alternative care for autistic adults. |
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| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613261434406 |
