The Internet has no shortage of parenting advice blogs and think pieces about caring for a child on the autism spectrum, but there seems to be precious little that is said about what can be done once that child grows up and transitions into an adult life. That is arguably more important than making sure an autistic person has a healthy childhood. After all, growing up is hard for everybody, and it is especially difficult for someone with an autism spectrum disorder.
Just as autistic children can be happy and healthy, they also deserve to make that transition into adulthood and live stable, productive lives. Some young people will need more assistance than others, but here are some things that you can do to help someone on the autism spectrum become an adult.
Start Planning Early
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA, children with autism should begin transition planning at the age of 16, with some states requiring it of children at the age of 14. This will involve working with a child’s school and counselor to develop a “vision” for the child’s future and to set up classes and training to give them the skills to achieve that vision. These classes will depend on the child and what their vision for the future may be. Some will want to take classes to prepare them for college courses, while others will simply need to learn how to interact with others in the workplace. The point here is to keep working with a child even after they’ve “aged out” of most treatment options. They may always need at least some assistance, but they deserve the same chances to prepare for the future as all young people.
Identify Strengths
One of the issues associated with autism is that someone on the spectrum may gain a sense of self-awareness later than a neuro-typical person. They may not be as aware of their strengths and weaknesses as others, so you may need to help them realize what their capabilities are. You can acknowledge their ability to focus on a specific task for long periods of time, or you can praise them for their kindness if you see them doing good for others. These may not seem like valuable skills in the workplace, but they are very important traits to have in the adult world.
Work on Being Flexible
Flexibility is always difficult for someone with an autism spectrum disorder, but it is something that is necessary to be successful as an adult. You can work on this by encouraging a child to try new things that they might enjoy. Have them take classes on interesting subjects that may be new to them, encourage them to learn to play an instrument, or introduce them to a sport that they might enjoy. This will push them into new environments and help them to become more flexible.
Self-Accountability
Finally, an autistic child needs to learn to become accountable. They will need to function as individuals, which means learning to advocate for themselves. They will need to learn how to communicate with peers, teachers, and supervisors, and they will need to work towards their own aspirations and goals. In other words, they will need to learn how to act like adults in the adult world. That is admittedly easier said than done, but it is what all grown men and women have to do. Everything you do with your child is leading up to that, so encourage them to stand up and speak for themselves if they are able. Never forget that they are capable of this, even if they feel like they are not.