Adulthood doesn’t happen with the flick of a switch when an autistic teen turns 18. It’s a journey that benefits from early preparation. Autism Speaks provides tools and trusted resources to guide you through this transition.

Your go-to guide for transition planning

Start planning with our Transition Tool Kit— our version of Adulting 101 for autistic teens and their parents and caregivers. Discover how Kadin, an autistic college student, used this guide to successfully navigate college. His story can be an inspiration and a roadmap for your own journey.

mother and daughter hugging in their living room

Plan for adulthood using your IEP

For autistic students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), our IEP Transition Plan Checklist is a must-have. Whether your post-high school goal is employment, postsecondary education or independent living, this checklist covers all crucial next steps.  

a mother looking at her son with her hands on his face

Employment is possible for your autistic loved one

Are you a parent of an autistic high school student with moderate to high support needs? Meaningful employment is within reach. Our Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) training course, Supporting Your Family Member in Employment, offers insights into options like competitive integrated employment (CIE) and available employment supports. Developed with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Autism Center for Education, this free course provides invaluable information for planning for employment.

Moving on from the pediatrician to a primary care physician

A key part of becoming an adult is moving from a pediatrician to a primary care physician. Our Healthcare Transition Roadmap is here to help. It provides advice from autistic self-advocates and physicians to guide you in finding a new adult medical provider and preparing for the switch. While aimed at ages 12 to 21, it also includes information useful for autistic adults of all ages, such as finding specialists, understanding legal rights and self-advocacy tips, with special guidance for LGBTQ+ individuals.

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