High school seniors are gearing up for prom, sending in college admission letters and looking forward to leaving home in pursuit of their dreams and aspirations. But sadly for young adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, a glass ceiling clouds the view to the future. Over the course of the next decade more than half a million students with an autism spectrum disorder will age out of education and intervention services, flooding the Countries adult disability system, which lacks the funds and vital service networks to suit volume. These adjustments to change of routine and loss of support services will prove emotionally taxing for many young people with autism, and their families. As a community, we can not afford to allow these future generations to slip through the cracks when we’ve come so far in ensuring early intervention and developmental success.
Approximately 50,000 soon-to-be adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are coming of age each year, facing an uncertain future. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which grants state funding for specialized education, life skills, housing and transportation services, terminates at the age of 21, leaving family members with the financial burden and the responsibility of securing adult support programs. It is crucial for families to prepare just as much for this transition as they have during early development. The key to securing a successful future lies in self advocacy.
When children reach the age of 18, they are no longer considered minor in the eyes of the law. That means parents will reach a crossroads where privacy laws prevent them from accessing information and speaking on behalf of their offspring. This is terrifying for any parent, who only wants the very best for a child, no matter how old they are. For parents with a child on the Autism Spectrum, countless treacherous obstacles and financial nightmares await. Luckily there are organizations out there like The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) who seek to to empower Autistic people across the world. ASAN offers college preparation programming for young adults transitioning to college assistance in advocating for their rights. In addition, ASAN also has a large number of reading resources, available online via their website regarding Self-Advocacy. Autism Speaks also includes helpful tools, stories of empowerment and life lessons available online for families to access during this important transition in life.
As you begin to take the steps to help your child transition to adult life, it’s important to remind both your child and yourself, that you are not alone. There are countless networks in our area that serve as support systems, information and advocacy guides and friends that have been in your shoes. The experience of witnessing your child take the next steps in life, does not have to be intimidating. As with all parents preparing their children for the road to adulthood, establishing a plan and doing the groundwork together as a family is the key to readiness. Trust that all the love, support, intervention and guidance you have devoted the last 18 years to, has aided in building your son or daughter up into a bright and eager adult, who’s ready to take on the next chapter of life wholeheartedly.