Write a summary of the purpose of transition, challenges facing effecting transition and suggestions for parents, providers, educators and the community at large. Suggestions can be in the form of a list of at least 8 recommendations for parents and 8 recommendations for service providers for educators/transition services and an overall statement to community partners. Conclude with an overall conceptualization (based on what you learned from the material) of how you will develop and implement a transition plan. Be certain to state your overall outcome for the plan.
Watch this video:
Dr. Peter Gerhardt: Transition to Adulthood for Young Adults with ASD
Transition to Adulthood for Young Adults with ASD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXIE1D_Skpk&t=39s
Sample Solution
Transitioning to adulthood can be a challenging time for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Sample Solution
Transitioning to adulthood can be a challenging time for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Transitioning to adulthood can be a challenging time for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to Dr. Peter Gerhardt, who has worked in the autism field for 37 years, families should always be looking five years ahead, asking themselves where they would like their loved one to be in five years, and teaching them accordingly¹. Here are some suggestions for parents, service providers, educators, and the community at large to help young adults with ASD transition to adulthood:
For Parents:
- Initiate the transition planning process and engage your child, their family and friends, the school’s professional staff, and representatives from adult service systems as members of your child’s transition team⁶.
- Prepare for the changes in available supports and legal protections that accompany the transition to adulthood⁶.
- Center the transition plan around the interests and strengths of your child⁶.
- Equip your child with the self-determination skills they need to advocate for themselves, problem-solve, set goals, and develop a plan for their own future⁶.
- Prepare your child to navigate higher education, employment, independent living, and other relevant aspects of adulthood⁶.
- Encourage conversations about jobs that might be enjoyable and interesting.
- Help your child map out strategies to tackle everyday tasks.
- Teach self-care skills such as brushing teeth or showering without prompting at a young age.
For Service Providers/Educators:
- Provide individualized supports focused on the changing aspects of the young adult’s social and physical environment rather than behavior change⁵.
- Work directly with autistic individuals and their support networks to facilitate successful engagement with services.
- Enable adults to manage their mental health needs.
- Provide comprehensive or integrated services.
- Improve communication between agencies.
- Provide evidence-based tips and resource recommendations.
- Offer informational handouts and activities for parents and young adults.
- Use virtual reality to teach social skills such as dating and job interviews.
For Community Partners:
It is important for community partners to work together to provide comprehensive support for young adults with ASD as they transition to adulthood. This includes providing access to education, employment opportunities, healthcare services, social connectedness, and independent living arrangements.
In developing a transition plan for young adults with ASD, it is important to focus on building skills and establishing supports that will allow them to take advantage of all that adulthood has to offer. The overall outcome of the plan should be to increase independence, choice, and personal control in the lives of young adults with ASD.
