Autism diagnoses in young children increased dramatically in the
1990s--and now those children are young adults on the verge of a
challenging transition to the real world. Every school and program will
be ready to help with this groundbreaking practical guide, straight from
the author of the acclaimed bestseller Life Beyond the Classroom and
two community-based autism experts.
Professionals who work with young adults will get hard-to-find
information on how specific social, behavioral, and cognitive
characteristics of people with autism affect the transition to
adulthood, exploring potential challenges and traits that can be
powerful assets. Then they'll get a complete guide that walks them
through every aspect of transition planning, including planning for
employment and postsecondary education:
- conducting skillful assessment to determine a young person's
individual career goals, job-related strengths, and independent living
skills
- using well-designed instructional supports, routines, and spaces
in inclusive classrooms
- implementing positive behavior support to help young adults with
autism succeed in school and at work
- providing community-based instruction at naturally occurring
times, so it's easier for students to learn and generalize new skills
- showing students and their families how to make the most of SSA
disability benefits
- assisting students with college preparation, from choosing a
college to managing academic and social demands
- using supported and/or customized employment strategies to help
young people establish satisfying careers that play to their strengths
- helping young people develop critical life skills they'll use
across settings
- unlocking the benefits of community services and programs, such as
vocational rehabilitation programs and Centers for Independent Living
Compelling stories throughout the book illustrate how successful
transition planning improved the lives of three diverse teenagers, and
the practical forms, checklists, and suggested resources and links help
readers put the proven strategies into action. A must for every member
of the transition team--including general and special educators,
transition specialists, employment specialists, and counselors--this is
the ultimate resource for supporting the goals, dreams, and future
success of young adults with autism.
Help young people with autism develop critical life skills in key
areas:
- social skills
- health and safety
- work habits
- money management
- mobility
- recreation and leisure
- personal appearance
- and more!
