FAQautism

Graduation is just around the corner for thousands of individuals with autism. Some will follow a “regular” path into adulthood, going to college or getting a job and living independently. But others will need some assistance transitioning from a student to an adult. What must we consider when planning for this transition?

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1. Daily Routine. Most school programs are very structured and predictable, but many home situations are the opposite. Typical young adults would probably like a chance to just hang around and do nothing for days on end, but our friends with autism usually thrive on a predictable routine.
2. Respite. Some adults with autism are relatively independent, but are unable to stay alone for more than a few hours. Even if they don’t anticipate needing it, families might want to consider advance planning for respite care.
3. Exercise. Sometimes we forget about physical health for our young adult friends with autism. Exercise helps boost spirits, decrease boredom, and improve overall health.
4. Living Space. Graduation from high school is a great time to make plans for an updated living space – whether just decorating their room in a more adult theme or converting a space into an “apartment.”
5. Friends. After high school graduation, most young adults lose contact with long-time school friends. If they just sit around the house, recent graduates with autism can become very isolated.
6. Decreasing dependence. Sometimes family members do everything for a person who needs significant support, so the individual with autism never learns to take care of any personal needs. Decrease this dependence by taking time to purposefully teach daily living skills, step by step.
7. Leisure time. Although most teenagers wish they had more leisure time, free time quickly turns into boredom after high school graduation. Family members can help decrease boredom and increase contentment by planning in advance to help individuals with autism fill that leisure time productively.

These are just a few of the items to consider as high school graduation approaches. We will provide some practical strategies in all these areas in coming weeks.

NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com

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