The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Transition to adulthood presents significant challenges for teens and young adults with autism and other learning differences. Whether pursuing a career or further education, specific strategies can lead to greater independence and success in this journey. We will offer a combination of strategies, tools and support methods to help young adults in their quest for self-determination and independence. This session will demonstrate a unique approach involving skill-building classes combined with peer mentoring in real life settings. We know that young adults with autism can face significant challenges in successfully completing college coursework or obtaining and keeping meaningful employment. Families worry their children will never be independent or able to hold a job, leading to family stress. The session includes an interactive segment where participants will help identify some of the biggest challenges to successfully transition to adult life for young adults who qualify for state services as well as those who do not, and have fallen between the "cracks" of supports. We will show how training and support in the areas of independent living skills, social skills, self-management, leadership, self-advocacy, and health and wellness can lead to success in college and career goals. We will present a person-centered approach using the Council on Quality and Leadership's personal outcome measure interviews and help the attendee to know what the POM interview areas are and why they matter to success. We will show how use of the Arc's self-determination scale is a key component to developing a person-centered plan. We will demonstrate the use of independent living skill assessments as part of plan development to build skills in money management, health and nutrition, self-preservation, emergency preparedness, community awareness and transportation.

We will share a collaboration with major universities such as University of Washington, Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence, Savannah College of Art and Design, Sage College, UCLA PEERS® Clinic, and others to develop an evidence -based curriculum. We will discuss how we partnered with a local community college for college coursework and local businesses for job internships in preparation for future careers. We will demonstrate with case studies how young adults who have participated in Transitions have gained in skills, confidence and independence. This session shows how building on strengths and supporting young adults to grow in independence, helps them to succeed and live in their communities. Our goal is not just to prepare young adults to attend college or get a job..it’s to prepare them for successful lives and careers by reaching dreams they never thought possible!