A Long and Winding Road: An Examination Of The Transition Process For Individuals With ASD.

The presenter will examine different aspects of the transition process for individuals with high-functioning autism. Both the presenter's experience of living with autism and his professional involvement in creating transitional curricula will provide attendees with a unique perspective. Ultimately, the goal of the presentation to explore the different obstacles individuals with autism face during transition and practical strategies to implement to overcome them. The issue of transition for young adults with high-functioning autism (and Asperger's) is very relevant and at times quite contentious.  There are some programs that have met with success.  Unfortunately, the resources available to create the conditions for a successful transition to adulthood for individuals on the ASD spectrum are largely lacking.  Over 80% of individuals with high-functioning autism cannot secure full time employment.  Through my experiences of working with young adults with autism I found many people with the desire to work, but needed the tools and support to thrive.  My presentation; The Long and Winding Road will put fourth strategies that were created by living with autism, teaching (I have a Master’s Degree in Exceptional Student Education and teach in Florida) and consulting with individuals on the ASD spectrum.  It is an approach that is practical, proactive, gradual and methodical.

At the start of the presentation, an emphasis will be put on laying the foundations for transition in Middle School.  Examined will be the areas that individuals with high-functioning autism deal with and what skills they need to learn.  Discussed will be the parental role in transition, which is more important than ever.  The concepts of independence, self-advocating and accountability will be explored during this portion of the presentation and how central they are in creating the conditions for success later.  An emphasis will be put on both developing social and executive functioning skills, which will become increasingly necessary as they get older.  As the presentation evolves the presenter will speak about the importance of focusing, sharpening skills and preparing for college.

The presenter will examine choices an individual with high-functioning autism will be faced with when completing high school.  Attendees will learn the importance of independence and coping skills in College.  Also, the realities and pitfalls of college will be explored and how an individual on the ASD spectrum can better prepare for them.  Towards the end of the presentation, the issues of independent living, finding and keeping a job and attempting to start and keep a relationship.   A lot of practical strategies and advice will be given, based on my own experiences and those who I have worked with.  Individuals in the audience will be encouraged to ask questions, because my goal is a dynamic environment, where people will take much away.     

A variety of individuals will benefit from seeing my presentation on the transition process for young adults with high-functioning autism.  Parents of individuals living with autism will hearing a unique empowering approach delivered by an individual with autism that will demystify the process and provide practical strategies to employ.  Young adults with high-functions autism will feel hope and inspiration, while giving them the tools they need.  Educators will not only learn strategies that have fostered independence and growth in individuals I have worked with they will see the importance of starting the process earlier.  What I will provide them with is an integrated approach that lays a framework out, which is easy to adapt.  Individuals that work people with high-functioning ASD will have strategies that can be assimilated into lessons to develop social, work and independent living skills.

 There are numerous objectives that will be covered in the presentation.  Objective one: Attendees will learn strategies to implement gradual transition for individuals with high-functioning ASD. Objective two: Attendees will learn the Obstacles individuals with high-functioning ASD face in the transition process.  Objective three: Attendees will learn what strategies need to be implemented for a successful transition program.  Objective four: Attendees will learn that the transition process needs to be implemented in a gradual and methodical manner.  Objective five: Attendees will learn through speaker's personal and professional experiences with the transition process.