Abstract:

Young autistic people are one of the most sensitive social groups as they experience discrimination because of stereotypes about disability and segregation in job market and education system. Social stigma and its impact on the life opportunities and emotional well-being of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are a subject of both practical and theoretical importance. Increasing numbers of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are entering postsecondary education; however, many report feeling lonely and isolated. It is recognized by international qw organizations who work in the fields of human rights protection and disability, this problem is mentioned in the legal documents protecting the rights of disabled people and is prevalent in the works of Lithuanian and foreign researchers. Autism disorder is considered one of the most complicated child development disorders that affects not only child‘s intellectual and social capabilities but also their own and their family members’ professional career.Research problem – the attitude of parents of autistic young people on the influence of their children’s health condition on the potential professional choices and careen expectations.The aim – to indicate the possibilities of parents of autistic young people to receive timely medical diagnostics of health disorders that has influence on person’s health and career.The theoretical part of the article deals with theoretical aspects of autism, health diagnostics and career opportunities. After the completion of qualitative narrative research the attitude of parents of autistic children on the medical diagnostic and health services provided to their children was identified and there was determined the influence of these components on the education and career. Practical conclusions in the form of recommendations: The need for applied ASD research, emphasizing the competences that ensure career aspirations, is actual in the reality of education. Contemporary social networks and information technology provide the possibility to integrate interdisciplinary connections. On this basis all stakeholders (health and education professionals, researchers in ASD) have the possibilities to participate in development of research instruments and in carrying out research. The mechanism of effective assurance of the supervision of the law acts is also recommended in political self-government institutions of each region.

Keywords:

Autism, healthcare education, social sustainability, social networks, stigma research & intervention strategies, strategies of sustainable development, sustained competitive advantage, sustainable development goals.