Autism and Transitions: Coming of Age with ASD

It’s never too early to start thinking about autism and transitions to adult life. Parents and caregivers may believe that they have plenty of time to make appropriate accommodations regarding health care, finances, higher education, and other considerations. However, once an autistic individual graduates high school or turns 21 (depending on the state), the availability of public support changes drastically. That’s why it’s best to have a plan in place. Parents and schools should also encourage autistic children to develop realistic expectations. Transitions can be less painful for them if they are prepared in advance.

Of course, all autistic individuals are different. Since they have varying levels of verbal, social, emotional, and intellectual skills, there isn’t one correct solution on how to equip them with the resources they’ll need upon entering adulthood. That’s another reason it’s good to get an early start: parents and caregivers will know which areas to focus on, whether or not ongoing assistance is necessary, and how to plan accordingly.

Living with Autism: Transition to Adulthood

A child’s school and ABA therapist may have designed and adapted an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to his or her unique needs, outlining a schedule of goals and milestones. This IEP likely will have included considerations about the transition to adulthood for the autistic individual. In the elementary and high school years, families have a relatively straightforward time receiving this kind of individualized support for their child in which they are hands-on participants. 

Once an individual “ages out” of such school-based youth programs, things can become difficult. While children are guaranteed special education services, these same individuals may only be eligible for adult support programs. Services such as job training, employment support, housing assistance, and other programs are often only available based on funding, and in many states, these programs have to waitlist eligible people. 

Individuals who are entering university after high school may face similar challenges. While people with ASD can request specific accommodations, the university may only grant the ones they deem reasonable. And while parents and caregivers may have put a lot of time, thought, and effort into developing an IEP, it doesn’t necessarily carry much weight at the college level. Moreover, due to privacy laws, parents won’t have the same access to their child’s counseling, academic planning, and records. These are just a few things to keep in mind about autism and adulthood and why early preparation is so crucial. 

Autism Transition Strategies for Adults

For many autistic individuals, the transition to adulthood can be especially difficult. According to the journal Pediatrics, as few as 34.7% of people with ASD went on to college, and only 55.1% were employed during their first six years after high school. However, there are steps parents and caregivers can take to ensure a smoother transition.

The best strategy for preparing autistic individuals for adulthood is to begin sooner than you might think. Helping them develop the skills they’ll need for later life during early childhood should be a parent’s paramount concern. Specialized ASD therapists are a valuable piece in the puzzle of raising a child with ASD. They can provide one-on-one attention and resources for proper development, working closely with parents to design a personalized care solution. 

Integrating daily living skills into a child’s high school education is another way to ease the transition to adulthood. This can include everything from basic household care and meal prep to planning a weekly budget and learning to use public transportation safely so that individuals with ASD can get to and from school or work. Learning how to plan ahead, budget time, and other lessons can also help them live a more independent, less stressful adult life. 

Finally, just acknowledge the fact that despite even the best preparations, there isn’t an easy, flawless way to enter adulthood. Autism and transitions will always create challenges, but ultimately, these are learning opportunities for individuals on the spectrum about how to navigate life more efficiently and with more fulfillment. Parents and caregivers should never forget to take it all one day at a time. They need to prepare as best they can, but they must also give themselves and their child the grace to learn and grow as time progresses. 

References: 

https://www.aane.org/preparing-for-lifes-transitions/

https://spotlightnews.com/news/2017/03/31/helping-a-child-with-asd-transition-to-the-adult-world