In speaking of autism spectrum disorder, I am choosing to focus on acceptance, realization, and preparedness when it comes to teenagers transitioning to adulthood, as they continue to live with unique needs. The major mountain to pass during this transition is coordinating independent living skills with a solid quality of life.
If your loved one is within the range of 14 to 17 years of age, now is the time to become aware while fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and realization. The sooner you begin this phase of parenting a teenager with unique qualities and special limitations, the better prepared you will be to act judiciously. The trail towards proactively preparing independent living skills and an elevated quality of life includes the following landmarks: development and implementation of a Transition Individualized Education Plan, employment (and possibly higher education choices), adult benefits under the Office of Mental Health, and future planning.
An individualized transition plan will be a legal document that prescribes your child, and his team, towards the dedication of educational time for teaching important and crucial skills. It is always a great time to incorporate life skill goals onto the individualized plan. Taking that turn from traditional towards functional academics may require families to take a breath — and begin acceptance. This is a less chaotic emotional state than being underprepared and feeling breathless.
Each individual deserves to experience a life of self-determined choices. One enjoyment in life is demonstrating the link between hard work and benefits. Gaining employment, and keeping a job, relies heavily on pro-social behaviors. One can be fantastic at map making, but unable to pass a job interview, work as a team player within an office setting, or understand the social rules of employment.
Try to find your teen’s naturally motivating hobby or talent. Can this be a money-making job? What socio-behavioral skills must be tackled before entry into the workforce? Will he be able to dedicate time and attention towards achievement within a college setting?
For children, we carefully label certain profiles under the umbrella of special education as individuals with special needs. With maturity, support falls from the Department of Mental Health. Some children who receive specialized education become adults who need a wellness approach to mental health. This deems essential elements of future planning must be forefront for families.
Planning for one’s future has various components. Skills that an adult needs to perform each day fall within the framework of social, behavioral, daily living, interpersonal relations, safety, and health of mental, physical, and emotional stabilities. Self-determination of living arrangements and life goals require help from a guiding team.
Use this moment of Autism Awareness to spark the fire of action. Attend informational meetings on transition. Implement the expertise of transition coordinators, and also legal and financial teams. Compose a safe and happy future for your loved one and others in the community. You are now aware.
