DONATE NOW

Finishing high school is a rite of passage for any teen. Many move on to college, their first job, or an apartment of their own. For those with autism, the journey carries unique challenges. Ever heard of the "service cliff"? It refers to the dramatic drop in services for people with autism after high school. It's a reality many face, but with proper planning, it doesn't have to be daunting. Dive into this E-Speaks where a self-advocate offers invaluable insights and tips. Additionally, explore Autism Speaks' tailored resources to help you on your journey. Ready for some inspiration and knowledge? Let's dive in!

Navigating college with autism: One student's secrets to success

At age 4, Peter B. was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Fast forward to 20, he's now a rising junior at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology juggling a major in computer science, economics, and data science. Living independently for the first time, he's navigating college life with aplomb. Dive into this Q&A where Peter unveils the strategies that shaped his transformative journey.

Expert Q&A: Teaching self-care skills to autistic youth with high support needs

Many parents and caregivers worry about what will happen to their autistic child once they are gone. Teaching autistic children and adolescents self-care skills early in life can help ease some of these worries and increase their independence at home, school and in their community. In this Q&A, Dr. Lisa Nowinski shares strategies for introducing self-care skills and building them block-by-block.

Accessing HCBS Waivers: A lifeline to lifelong supports for autistic people

Medicaid home- and community-based services waivers (HCBS Waivers) fund the majority of lifelong supports that autistic people rely on to live and participate in their communities. They are a lifeline to continued services and support beyond the school-aged years. But accessing them is a lesson in persistence and patience, as contributor Chloe Rothschild chronicles in her 10-year journey to receiving an HCBS Waiver.

Each state determines who can receive a Waiver and spots are limited. Translation: waitlists, and the sooner you get on them, the better. Get started with our introduction to HCBS Waivers, which describes who is eligible, what services are covered, how to apply and what to do while on a waitlist. Check out the number of people on your state’s waitlist in new data from Autism by the Numbers.

Self-empowerment is key to self-advocacy and successful transition planning

the silhouette of a person standing confidently with their arm above their head

Adolescents and young adults should have input into their transition plan, if they are able. But first, they should think about how they want to be supported. Our newly revised Roadmap to Self-Empowerment, written by autistic adults, can help. In it, you will find questions to ask yourself or your transition-aged child to help assess everyday life challenges and establish plans to address them. Self-empowerment is a skill that goes hand-in-hand with self-advocacy and, as you will read in our Transition Tool Kit, a foundation for future happiness and success.

ChildServe is building employment skills for autistic teens, one snack at a time

Snack Shack employees smiling with their hands in the air

Many autistic teens don’t get the opportunity to practice the adaptive and communication skills they’ll need to hold a job after high school. ChildServe, a pediatric care center in Iowa that serves more than 5,600 children each year, is taking steps to change that. Their ChildServe Snack Shack, made possible by an Autism Speaks Local Impact Grant, employs autistic teens and young adults, giving them opportunities to have fun, socialize and learn.

Autism Speaks is improving the healthcare transition for autistic teens

A well-planned transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is known to lead to better medical care and an improved quality of life for people with autism. In a new partnership with The MetroHealth System, Autism Speaks has received a $1M grant from the Cleveland Foundation to develop a transition clinic for adolescents with ASD who are moving into adulthood. Learn more about the partnership and get information and tips about the transition from the pediatrician to adult care.

DONATE NOW

Autism Speaks | 50 F Street NW, Suite 360, Washington, DC 20001
Mailing address: P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037

Unsubscribe | Update subscription preferences