Transition to Adulthood

Transitioning from high school to adulthood can be challenging for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for individuals with the autism spectrum disorder. Young adults with autism often face unique struggles and barriers as they navigate through this pivotal moment in their lives. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips that parents and caregivers can use to help support their teens during this crucial time.

Services are in Place Before Leaving High School

Before leaving high school, there are important tasks to complete. From my personal experience, I remember waiting until the last day before school started again to finish everything for my son. It’s crucial to ensure that your child is enrolled in county services, such as waivers and other eligible programs.

Taking care of these matters will greatly benefit your child’s future. While waiting for waivers to be approved make a written request from the school to have a reevaluation done. This will be needed as part of the process getting the wavier approved depending on your state. You can click here to see what is available for Pa. If you are outside the area you can use this information as a base to see if it is in the area where you live.

Transition Strategies For Autistic Students

Setting up realistic goals for the future is important for young adults with autism. Help your child identify his or her skills and strengths so that you can all together develop a plan for what to do after high school. This will make transitions easier for your autistic child. Don’t forget to include the input of your child in the creation of these goals.

Understand Your Child’s Rights Federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), provide opportunities for people with disabilities to find employment, participate in post-secondary institutions, and generally lead independent lives. Understanding these laws can help you assist your young adult with autism in finding the best support and accommodations possible.

Help Build Social Skills: There is a myriad of opportunities available to your child after high school. Enrolling them in social skills groups or recreational programs for people on the spectrum can encourage independence and help build social skills. Encourage them to get involved in recreational programs that match their interests or join groups with people who share common interests.

Encourage Decision-Making: Helping your child develop decision-making skills is key to supporting them in adulthood. This includes everything from picking what to wear in the morning to managing finances. Gradually increasing their decision-making autonomy allows them to learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment. As your child grows older, it’s important to allow them more freedom and responsibility but ensure that they have the guidance and resources required to make informed decisions. By creating an environment where your child can practice decision-making skills, you will equip them with the tools necessary for life after a classroom.

Conclusion: Transitioning to adulthood can be a daunting process for young adults with autism, but building a support network with family, healthcare providers, teachers, and the community can make all the difference. As a parent or caregiver, don’t hesitate to advocate for your child’s needs and help them develop coping mechanisms as needed. With the right mindset and support, young adults with autism can achieve both independence and success in their adult lives.

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