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E-Speaks eNewsletter

Making the transition from adolescence to adulthood is a complex time in any young person’s life. However, it’s not uncommon for this stage to pose a greater challenge for those in the autism community as they navigate sudden changes in services and make life-altering decisions about their future. 

The shift can bring up difficult questions for families and autistic individuals alike: What happens when school-based services and therapies are no longer available? Is college a good fit? Am I ready to enter the workforce? Will my child ever be able to live independently?  

In this edition of E-Speaks, you’ll hear the story of a family who shares how they’ve prepared for adult life and the steps they’ve taken to make the transition as seamless as possible. You’ll also learn how to navigate the shift from the pediatrician to an adult doctor, access helpful resources about transition and read some tips for future planning. 

Why one autism mom says planning is the key to a smooth transition into adulthood 

In this blog, you’ll meet Allyson, 23, and her mom, Lisa. The two provide their perspective on life after high school, making the transition to an adult program, keeping up with friends and why finding different ways to cope with major life changes is critical during this stage of life.  

Graduating from the pediatrician to the adult doctor 

Graduating from the pediatrician to an adult doctor can be stressful. It is understandably hard to leave a doctor who has been caring for you or your child for so long. But a well-thought-out healthcare transition plan leads to better quality of medical care and improved quality of life. To help make this transition, view our article for useful information to get the process going. 

Learn about the transition to adulthood in a recent webinar from Family ECHO: Autism 

In a recent webinar from Family ECHO: Autism, a program supported by the Autism Speaks Autism Care Network, autism experts share valuable information about what parents and caregivers can expect as your child transitions to a new healthcare provider and housing situation. They also discuss how to prepare your child for adulthood and navigate relationships, mental health and other issues. Watch the webinar today. 

View our Roadmaps for transition-age young adults 

Our Transition Roadmaps offer step-by-step guidance to help autistic teens plan for and reach their goals for adulthood: 

• Postsecondary Education helps people under the age of 22 prepare for education after high school. Included is information on understanding and applying for funding for postsecondary education, and supports and accommodations available at various schools. 

• Meaningful Employment for Autistic Adults provides a series of goals to help prepare autistic adults for employment. Included are steps to find a job, make sense of job contracts and benefits, and establish workplace support. 

• Housing and Residential Supports Roadmap is a guide on how to find independent housing and live independently. Included are tips on how to assess future needs and goals, applying for Home and Community-Based Services, and developing routines for daily living. 

Dr. Tamar Heller shares tips for future planning 

Planning for the future is critical to making sure autistic individuals receive the care they need, no matter the circumstances. But for many families, the planning process brings up a lot of anxiety and uncertainty. In this Q&A, Dr. Tamar Heller, distinguished professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, offers some advice about transition planning and discusses a new training program that she is developing to support families through the process. 

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