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Supporting Families Through the Transition from School to Adult Life
For families of young people with autism and developmental disabilities, the transition out of high school and into adulthood represents one of the most emotionally and practically challenging periods of the lifespan. Throughout childhood, the public education system provides structure,...
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Let Them Be: Supporting Neurodivergent Young Adults Through Independence
The transition into adulthood is a major shift for any family, but parents of autistic and neurodivergent young adults often face additional layers of complexity. You’ve spent years helping them navigate systems, environments, and expectations that weren’t always designed with them in mind. As...
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Wellbeing as a Buffer: Helping Autistic Individuals Thrive Through Life’s Transitions
Transitions are an inevitable part of life. For autistic individuals, they can also be some of the most stressful. Starting school, moving into adulthood, entering the workforce, or navigating new living arrangements can bring an array of changes - new routines, expectations, and social landscapes....
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Navigating the School-to-College Transition: A Guide for Families of Autistic Students
If you have an autistic child looking to progress into further education (FE) in the UK, chances are that you have felt abandoned by both their school and the prospective college. Whilst the transition from primary to secondary school may have seemed more informed and managed by the school, the...
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When Systems Don’t Fit: Navigating Lifespan Transitions for People with Profound Autism
Every year, in every state, hundreds more individuals with Profound Autism age out of educational services and enter the adult services system. This process is described by many as “falling off a cliff.” Families despair of finding services that will allow their adult child to maintain their...
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Supporting Children with Autism Through the Early Childhood to School-Age Special Education Transition
The transition from Preschool to Kindergarten is a significant milestone in any child’s life. For children with disabilities, however, particularly children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can be particularly complex (Marsh et al., 2017). It is a season filled with mixed emotions:...
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How to Choose the Right Career Path as an Autistic Adult
Choosing a career can be a challenging and exciting journey for anyone, but for autistic adults, the process often comes with unique considerations. Understanding personal strengths, challenges, and workplace needs is essential for finding a fulfilling career path. With the right strategies and...
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Helping Autistic Children Cope with Divorce and Co-Parenting Transitions
Divorce and associated transitions can be challenging for any family, but changes in family dynamics and routines can present unique challenges for families with autistic children. With a high rate of divorce among parents of children on the autism spectrum, it is crucial to focus on strategies...
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Finding Strength in Stress: An Autistic Author’s Journey Through Crisis and Recovery
I wish I could tell you that I don’t ever stress as an autistic person. I wish that I could tell you that I am a professional and that I have mastered the art of destressing and staying calm, but the truth is I stress. Ever since I was a kid dealing with stress has never come easy for me as an...
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Supporting Neurodivergent Children in the Transition from Pediatric to Adult Healthcare
Families of neurodivergent children, such as those with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learning differences, often find themselves having to fiercely advocate for every service they need across medical, behavioral health and...
