The Bus Has Stopped And So Has The Supports

Parents are finding that once their child finishes school and the school bus stops picking them up, their child has aged out of supports. This shouldn't happen. The need for supports doesn't stop at age 18 or 19, but it is a lifelong condition. Their child falls through the cracks of the system, and it becomes a weight a child and parent takes on. You don't outgrow Autism. Those young adults lose the specialized help and structure they’ve had for most of their lives. If you ask a parent of a neurodivergent child when this happens it is like falling off a cliff! 

Challenges Faced By Neurodivergent Adults

As neurodivergent individuals transition into adulthood they face unique challenges that require support and understanding. Autism for example, is a lifelong developmental disorder that affects people spanning their lifetime. People with this condition often face challenges that are pervasive that affects numerous aspects of their functioning.  These challenges can range from difficulties socially, to sensory sensitivities  and impairments with communication. Neurodivergent adults may experience problems with social cues, sustaining relationships, and participating in partaking in social interests. They may experience problems with anxiety and self regulation, and sensory-seeking actions. In addition the brains management system can significantly be a challenge for autistic adults. Furthermore, autistic adults may face obstacles and unique challenges that cater to their needs. 

Autistic adults experience mental health issues with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and stress compared to their neurotypical peers. This creates difficulties faced during transition periods. Entering new environments  and responsibilities can lead to overwhelming feelings, which are compounded by communication barriers and social skill deficits. 

Transitioning Into Adulthood

Individuals who have autism experience poor outcomes as they transition out of the school system. There are several factors that contribute to success after high school. But within the first two years they face challenges  in accessing postsecondary employment and education opportunities. For successful transitioning  planning , supportive networks and and access to specialized services can significantly impact an individual's post-high school outcomes.. It is essential to equip with extensive supports and resources during the transition period to secure the optimal opportunities for success. As autistic individuals age not only do they experience specific challenges related to ASD, but also experience age-related health issues and a decline in cognitive abilities. Functioning may worsen as individuals enter early older age.

Supports And Other Needs

As autistic individuals transition into adulthood their supports and needs change. It is important to have appropriate supports in place to address the emerging needs of the autistic individuals for the duration of their lives. Effective lifelong support requires navigating the critical transition from youth services—which often end at age 19—into adult systems. A plan should be in place for access to healthcare, employment opportunities, independent living skills, financial planning, education or vocational training. 

Typically, families are the primary support for autistic individuals, and they often lack necessary resources, especially financially. Some specialized education centers offer training and assistance around jobs, independence and daily life skills, but these services are not widespread and leave many without comprehensive support. 

Early planning is critical for individuals with autism transitioning to adulthood, ideally starting as young as 12 or 14. This proactive approach ensures necessary support is organized through school systems under an Individual Education Program. Conversations regarding job prospects and living situations should begin early. Discussing these topics allows autistic individuals to explore various opportunities that align with their interests. 

Participating in college programs specifically designed for autistic students can greatly enhance their readiness for adult life. These programs often teach critical skills, such as independent living and social interactions, necessary for navigating public transportation and other aspects of adult independence.

Innovative methods such as virtual reality for social skills training are emerging, providing unique approaches to develop these vital competencies. The overall aim is to cultivate independence through targeted skill-building practices, ultimately leading to successful transitions into adulthood.

How would an Autistic Adult deal with Change? 

Dealing with change can be hard for autistic adults. It points to the necessity of maintaining some stability during transitions. Some strategies that could help include advanced preparation, visual supports, and acknowledging opportunities. By using these examples of techniques, autistic adults can navigate changes more effectively and broaden their experience during life transitions. 

Self regulation is necessary and helps the autistic adult focus on emotional understanding and develop effective coping mechanisms. Understanding emotions is the first step. Practicing mindfulness can significantly impact emotional regulation. Grounding exercises help individuals refocus their thoughts and alleviate anxiety, allowing them to remain present in the moment. An effective method includes a 'moment of pause' to detach from immediate emotional reactions, fostering better decision-making. Coping mechanisms are crucial in managing stress and anxiety. One example is Mindfulness activity: The 'Notice five things' exercise sharpens sensory awareness, recognizing sights, sounds, or feelings in the environment, which can help in managing overwhelming emotions effectively. 

Engaging in the community resources is vital in the transitioning process. These organizations significantly help families navigate services and help find connections to crucial adult resources, enhancing support networks for transitioning youth.