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Five Steps to Help Young Adults Transition to Independence
There are many services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, but Jewish Child Care Association’s Compass Project is unique because we specifically target the period when an adolescent/young adult transitions from high school to the next step. While school districts support families and...
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Doctoral Study Shows Parents are Concerned for Their Adult Child’s Future
The process of transitioning to adulthood is always difficult for parents; more so when their children have special needs. For parents of young adults with ASD the challenges are manifold, including but not limited to financial problems, social difficulties and long term care and planning. Long...
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Using Summer Vacation to Build College Readiness Skills
Heading to college in the fall? Summer vacation is the perfect opportunity to work on the skills you’ll need to succeed in college. Whether it’s understanding the way your disability affects you, navigating new environments, using an ATM machine, making your own doctor’s appointments, or...
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Summer Bridge Programs: Opportunities to Maximize Transition Success
Summer is right around the corner. Every year parents are faced with the same dilemma regarding what to do with their child on the autism spectrum while school is not in session. There are a variety of activities a child could engage in. The problem is finding the right one that suits your...
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Finding the Best Fit: Exploring College and Vocational Options
In the last twenty years the growing awareness of autism, the reconceptualization of autism as a spectrum of characteristics, and improved diagnostic techniques have contributed to the increased demand for specialized educational programs in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educational...
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Education, Training, and Job Trends
There is no time greater than during a recession to consider the truth behind the phrase “education matters.” This is especially important for people with autism and other disabilities that, even in a “good economy,” have a difficult time finding employment. Why does post-secondary...
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Transforming Transitional Programs
Walking onto a college campus is the first step to adulthood and true independence. This step can cause excitement, fear and anxiety for most young people. For students with learning disabilities and on the autism spectrum, these emotions are magnified. It is a new world of unchartered territory...
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The Transition into Adulthood: Guiding Families Toward Successful Outcomes
One of the favorite things in my role as Director of Admissions and Family Services at Melmark is talking with parents about their children and helping families maneuver the complicated web of supports available to them. One of the most challenging parts, however, is helping families understand how...
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Motivational Interviewing – A Useful Approach for Families and Counselors Planning for Post-Secondary Transition
Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach which was originally developed to work with substance abusers to assess and facilitate readiness for treatment. Its principles and techniques have been proven effective when dealing with people who are ambivalent about change. Motivational...
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The Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit – A Guide to Assist Families on the Journey from Adolescence to Adulthood
In an effort to help families and their adolescents with autism more smoothly navigate the challenging transition into adulthood, Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, launched in February 2010 the Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit, a unique guide and...
