The transition from school services to adulthood for those with ASD has been likened to falling off a service cliff. This is even more the case for those with level 1 ASD because they are usually in the “donut hole” of not receiving IDD benefits. Parents worry about their adult child’s future. Where will she live? Where will he work? Will she be safe? Will he become independent? And the hardest question…what will happen when we are gone?
Adults with level 1 ASD have many strengths and abilities that enrich their lives. They have many interests that they enjoy pursuing. Being neuro divergent while striving for independence in the neuro typical world, however, presents certain challenges that make navigating adult responsibilities difficult. Autism Speaks identifies several areas of functional life-skills that may be growth areas requiring specific focus. These include:
Self-determination/advocacy
Health and safety
Peer relationships, socialization and social communication
Community participation and personal finance
Leisure/recreation
Home living skills
In order to support growth in these areas, I am developing life-skills classes that provide instruction and practice to increase understanding and proficiency. It is not enough for participants to get the right answer on a work sheet. The classes will include real world life experiences in order to bridge the gap between the abstract concepts and their application. Classes will include the introduction of concepts, discussion, examples, practice, role play, guests, community-based activities, etc. in order to understand and apply the concepts.
It will take time and practice for participants to make gains and become more responsible. It will also require some shifts in thinking by their parents to see their adultchild as more capable and, therefore, more accountable. This preparation is a vital step in the transition from living at home with family to having the confidence and ability to move into a Launchpad Living residence. Given time to try their wings, many will find that they are able to navigate the adult world with increased confidence and proficiency in order to succeed at semi-independent living.
By Carol Regli, OTR, OTD
Class information available on our Education page.