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Foundational Strategies to Develop Independence
For individuals with a disability like autism, developing skills that foster independence is a critical part of one’s education. Yet, young adults looking to transition into adult life and their families may not know how to advance the process. Vista Life Innovations, a nonprofit along the...
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Assessing Readiness for Transition to College and College Support Services
High school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), without intellectual or language impairment (ASD-WoILI), are attending college at rates higher than previously reported, but research indicates they may not be receiving the services they need (Kuder & Accardo, 2017). While federal and...
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Supporting the College-Bound Autistic Student: A Need for Better Transition Planning
For autistic individuals, success in college lies in an effective transition plan that acknowledges and addresses the increased challenges they will face as college students. According to a national study, 34% of autistic students who qualified for a post-secondary education program attended such a...
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Your Child’s Right to an Appropriate Transition Plan
One of the main objectives of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to ensure that children receive an appropriate education that prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living.1 Accordingly, school districts must develop Transition Plans that are...
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The Journey to Self-Determination
The journey to adulthood can be daunting and overwhelming for anyone, especially for young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As parents, friends, professionals, and members of the community, we play a vital role in empowering our young adults to start their journey to becoming...
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Connections for Transition Success
The value of connections and collaborations between families, schools and organizations for smooth student transition success from high school to adult supports is immeasurable. This critical time period, often referred to as “the cliff,” deserves renewed attention as we strive for successful...
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Transitioning to Work
When students with disabilities turn 21, or receive a high school diploma, their entitlement to special education services ends, and the school bus stops coming to their corner. Before the school bus stops, the school and the adult program need to collaborate and plan for transitioning to work...
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Supporting Parents in the Transition Process
Adulting was on Oxford Dictionary’s 2016 short list for word of the year. “Adulting” is an endearing word that flashes an instant, sympathetic understanding about the scary, confusing, and sometimes dull aspects of being a grown-up. Parents watching their children’s wobbly advances toward...
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Transition Planning for the Long Haul – Life Beyond College
Parents of students on the autism spectrum and their neurotypical peers begin to think about college as they progress through high school. According to the Department of Labor, students with disabilities who earn a bachelor’s degree are employed at about the same rate as their non-disabled peers...
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Social Connections for Women with ASD in Transition: 5 Areas of Importance
Entering into adulthood for women with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves a shift in many life systems. When preparing for the change from formal schooling to adulthood, a transition plan and support services are often provided. This is a time when students explore what life will look like as...
