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Preparing for Aging and Transitions for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Understanding the changing needs of adults with disabilities as they age is important. A recent report predicted that the number of adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities over the age of 60 will nearly double by 2030, from 641,860 to 1.2 million. At Chapel Haven...
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Transitioning to Life as an Autistic Senior Citizen: We Need Much More Information
Making the transition into old age and becoming a senior citizen is challenging for almost everyone in our society. This was most colorfully expressed by the great Hollywood actress Bette Davis, who lived to be 81 years old and famously said that “old age ain’t no place for sissies”. Those of...
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Vocational Skill Building Improves Transition Outcomes for Young Adults with Autism and Low Vision
For many young adults, the transition from school to adulthood is a time filled with excitement and new experiences. For those with disabilities, it can also present unique challenges. Moving from a supported educational environment and accessing adult services is a big leap. What predicts greater...
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Building Futures: Transition Planning and Success for Autistic Youth at StarUnite Café
While many children on the autism spectrum receive individualized education planning and interventions to support their successful achievement throughout their kindergarten, elementary and high school years, it is equally important to plan for success throughout adulthood. Some adults with autism...
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Illuminating the Housing Crisis and Needs of Adults with Autism and I/DD
Access to safe, affordable and inclusive housing remains one of the most urgent challenges for adults with autism and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Recognizing this, a bold initiative from the First Place Global Leadership Institute (First Place Global) informs the...
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Living at Home as an Autistic Adult: When Society Confuses Support with Failure
While many neurotypical adults move away from home at some point in their 20s, many autistic adults like me may live at home well into their later adult years (Marsack-Topolewski et al., 2021). This isn’t because we’re failing but rather because we need more time to reach our various milestones...
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SMART Homes, Meaningful Lives: Incorporating Wellbeing Practices into Independent Living Supports
James moved into his own apartment in January of 2024. He liked his independence but didn't have much to say when his support staff spoke with him during their daily video check-in. He was “fine.” His day went “okay.” And, he had nothing to report for wants and needs. James was languishing...
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Finding Independence and Advocacy: A Journey Through Autism and Self-Direction (2021-2025)
As a young, happy baby about to become a toddler, my family noticed I was not progressing as a normal toddler would, so they took me for a psychological evaluation at 20 months. At that evaluation, I was officially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ever since then, life has been an...
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Empowering Safety: A Foundation for Physical Health and Emotional Wellness for Autistic Individuals
Safety is often seen as a way to avoid harm, but it is much more than that. Safety is a cornerstone of physical health and emotional wellness, especially for people on the autism spectrum. It provides the foundation needed to navigate life’s challenges, build independence, and maintain a sense of...
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The Importance of Outdoor Recreation: A Pathway to Wellness and Skill Development
Hippocrates said, “Nature itself is the best physician.” In our work with young adults on the autism spectrum to help them develop the skills to live independently, we follow the ancient Greek physician's advice and ensure that nature plays a crucial role in their growth and...
