Pro Tips provided by Shawn Scibetta, MS.Ed., BCBA, LBA

For many parents, the transition to adulthood is a stressful time. It can be daunting to consider what life will look like after high school and how to promote greater independence. This is especially true for parents of children with autism. With thoughtful planning, your teen can enter adulthood with the skills they need to thrive.

1. Start Early. The earlier you begin, the more time your teen will have to build critical life skills. Some daily living skills can be taught as early as 8 to 10 years old. At this age, children can learn things like:

• Loading and unloading the dishwasher
• Putting away clothes
• Recycling and taking out the trash
• Changing sheets and making the bed

Other life skills can be incorporated when they align with your child’s abilities, such as making a grocery list and shopping for items, preparing simple meals, managing money, and reading maps and signs.

2. Work With the School’s Transition Team. Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are entitled to transition services between the ages of 14 to 22. A transition specialist can assist with:

• Transition assessments
• Exploring career and leisure interests
• Identifying post-secondary opportunities such as education, pre-employment and job coaching, and day habilitation programs
• Building vocational, community, and leisure skills through school activities
• Enrolling in ACESS-VR or other adult-readiness programs
• Caregiver transition meetings to assist with paperwork and other tasks that adhere to the transition timeline before graduation

3. Know Your Options. Individuals with autism may be eligible for a wide range of services through New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), including prevocational training, site-based and community-based day habilitation, housing, and more. Visit ny.gov/eligibility to see the eligibility requirements.

A care coordinator can play a pivotal role in helping to navigate available resources and opportunities. To access care coordination, your child must be deemed eligible by OPWDD. Once eligibility is confirmed, you can enroll with a care coordination organization.

The New York State Education Department offers Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) to help youth with disabilities prepare for post-secondary education, employment, and community living when they leave school. Visit www.acces.nysed.gov/vr for more information.

Finally, in addition to support services, your child may need legal tools to manage their personal, medical, or financial affairs. An attorney can assist you in evaluating options like a guardianship or special needs trust.

4. Provide Opportunities for Self-Advocacy. Self-advocacy is the ability to understand and communicate your rights and needs. It is a lifelong skill that is developed through encouragement and experience.

• Help your child understand themselves. What do they enjoy? What is challenging for them? What supports help them succeed?
• Provide choices on the activities they participate in, how they manage their time, what self-regulation skills they use, and other opportunities to make decisions. You may need to start with two to three options to avoid overwhelm.
• Involve them in the IEP process so they can understand and advocate for accommodations.
• Demonstrate that asking for help is something everyone does, no matter their age or ability.

The transition to adulthood is a gradual process filled with progress, setbacks, and unexpected turns. By planning early and focusing on your child’s abilities and strengths, you can help them move into adulthood with confidence.