Transitioning to Adulthood

An adult on the spectrum shares tips for finding employment. One time when I was out of work, I only got a job somewhere because I had worked there before. Looking for a job is very hard. Here are my tips for people on the autism spectrum(and other disabilities or mental illnesses): Tip 1: If

An autistic adult shares her top tips for independent living to help younger generations of neurodivergent thinkers. As a person with so-called “higher-functioning” autism, I have been living on my own for ten years. That length of time is a long time to be on my own. I know some others on the spectrum are

Dear Justin, The topic of your moving out came up with a family friend, one curious about your after-21 life plans, and where you would eventually live. I told her all about my rockstar friends, and how we’re hoping to give you the very best adult life possible, and shared with her our dreams for

Prepping your child for adulthood means equipping them with the tools to cope in various situations and environments. Encouraging self-awareness, self-regulation, and emphasizing preparation and practice may be a great start to teaching appropriate coping skills for kids on the spectrum. A question most parents ask when they have a child on the autism spectrum

Here are some thought-provoking questions to consider when choosing a program to support your child’s transition to independence. What would an empowering transition program look like? What are the key components? How will you know if your child will be guided to be the most independent adult they can be? Here are a few of

How can parents help their adult child access available health services? There are many healthcare services available for people with autism, but how do you navigate this system once your autistic child has grown into an adult? This presents new challenges not previously faced. There are steps parents and caregivers can take to make it

For those on the spectrum, everyday life can feel overwhelming. The unspoken rules, loud noises, and constant pressure often lead to autistic meltdowns in adults. They aren’t temper tantrums or emotional outbursts, but neurological overloads that happen when the brain is pushed past its limit. Understanding what meltdowns are and how to respond to them

Autistic regression in adults refers to the loss of previously acquired skills or increased dependence on routines and coping mechanisms. While often associated with childhood autism, regression can also impact autistic adults, affecting their ability to communicate, socialize, or function independently. This phenomenon can range from mild to severe, with some individuals experiencing temporary difficulties

As your autistic children transition into their teenage years, it’s important for parents to guide them in finding meaningful activities. While all teenagers benefit from extracurriculars that help them grow and adapt to the world around them, this becomes especially crucial for teenagers with autism. As autistic individuals have unique needs, it’s essential to tailor

As the parent of an autistic teen, and in my work with autistic adults and their parents, I have witnessed that our journeys toward good personal hygiene often include some unique challenges that most families do not experience.  Many autistic teens experience difficulties with what seem like basic daily hygiene tasks, to their parents’ unending

We, parents of autistic children, often worry about the future. “What will happen when we can no longer take care of Andrew?!?” I didn’t know if my son would be able to live independently or if we’d need to look into homes for autistic adults. Accessible, affordable, quality housing in a safe, cohesive community enhances

Every day, we make countless decisions, often without realizing it. However, for those on the autism spectrum, decision-making can be a source of significant stress. Whether choosing a snack or deciding on larger life changes, understanding autism and decision-making is key to providing meaningful support. Autism is a spectrum, meaning its impact on individuals can

Navigating the job market can be overwhelming, especially for autistic adults who face unique challenges. Finding the best jobs for autistic adults is crucial as it involves matching their strengths and interests with enriching employment opportunities. People on the autism spectrum possess such different skills—like outstanding attention to detail or excellent logic—that they can master

As our children grow, learning how to deal with autism anger in adults becomes essential. While many books focus on managing tantrums and frustrations in children, it’s crucial also to address anger management for adults with autism. Skills learned in childhood need to be adapted and practiced throughout adulthood. Social skills groups, play and art

Finding fun and meaningful things for autistic adults to do is super important for their mental wellness, self-esteem, ability to develop social skills, and overall happiness. Interests and needs vary from one individual to another. Therefore, finding relevant factors will influence the enjoyment of autistic people and help them learn new skills. Here, we’ll get

Feeling stuck, even when you want to move, is a reality for many people who have autism spectrum disorder. This phenomenon, known as autistic inertia, is more than just procrastination. It’s a unique challenge deeply rooted in differences in cognitive processes. Unfortunately, autistic inertia is often linked to depression. Before we learn more about it,

Burnout is an unfortunate part of life, and everyone can experience it. This is especially true for autistic burnout. While this state is often defined by debilitating mental or physical exhaustion, there’s another aspect of autistic burnout everyone who experiences should know, and that’s autistic burnout recovery. It can be difficult for a person with

Burnout is all too common when it comes to both individuals and caregivers for all kinds of conditions and disorders. That includes autism. Signs of autistic burnout include physical and mental exhaustion caused by stress and lack of support.  Much like caregiver burnout, autistic burnout has the potential to cause long-term damage to members of

As a teenager going through puberty, I experienced a rough time. There were bouts of frustration, anger, and aggression. It was incredibly difficult to control my emotions. I remember it being some of the hardest transitions of my life, and I’m considered neurotypical. For children on the autism spectrum, that transition can be even more

I am an autistic individual who graduated college. During my college years, I had no idea I had autism. I am writing this article for young adults who are on the spectrum but also for their parents dealing with the challenges of navigating college and autism. This is how I navigated college as a person

A tale of an autistic adolescent boy going through life’s natural changes when change is his worst enemy. 4:53am: ”Mom?” A low whisper from my 12-year-old son. I give no response. “MOM!!” A louder whisper I can’t ignore. Here we go. I fly out of bed, through the dark (I’m a veteran to navigating the

Understanding your older child’s sexual identity and desires isn’t always easy. Meet one family that has successfully navigated this journey.  Understanding our place in the world is difficult enough; trying to understand our human sexuality can make it even more difficult. This article is designed to help families of young people on the spectrum gain

When seeking employment, a person diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can wonder about the interview process, job training, and can you be fired for being autistic? There are times when social awkwardness and lack of eye contact and what are considered social norms can make interactions with customers and coworkers difficult and uncomfortable. There are

Supporting our children through puberty can be challenging, but there is hope! As parents, our main focus is the health and happiness of our children. For our children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the list of needs to ensure those things can be a bit longer. Milestones are one aspect of our kids with autism’s

Creating a supportive work environment involves understanding how to work with autistic adults effectively. Whether you are a manager, team leader, or working in any other position, you aim to maintain a happy and balanced workplace with your autistic colleagues. After all, it’s important to ensure all employees feel comfortable and empowered. Together, we’ll learn

Autism and sexuality are important topics for all parents to understand. We all want our kids to be happy, healthy and loved. One of the biggest concerns we may have for our kids is how they will handle romantic relationships, sex, and the social aspects of dating in general. There is much to think about,

An article, in a parenting magazine about intimate or romantic relationships…groan…in this context, many parents would rather not talk about sex. But, open and honest conversations about sex, specifically when it comes to sexual development in neurodivergent individuals is a conversation that could keep your autistic adolescent safe—and make them feel seen. Your neurodivergent child

They say childhood is fleeting, and it’s true. Just five months ago, my son turned 18. I still can’t believe it. Contrary to what our kids often think, they usually don’t leave the family home or stop having to listen to us the very second they enter adulthood. The reality is that independence doesn’t always

Learning to drive is an important milestone for many young adults, but for parents of children with autism, the journey can come with unique challenges and concerns. Can autistic people drive? This question often arises as families navigate the road to independence. Luckily, driving with autism is not impossible! Although it requires patience and overcoming