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Posted by Melissa Hincha-Ownby May 13, 2008 |
I have been working on several articles that are specific to teens and young adults with autism. While this isn’t my reality, yet, it is a reality for parents of autistic teens everywhere. Some teenagers will be able to go on to college like their typically developing peers while others will require 24x7 care. Determining if this care will take place in the home, either with assistance or without, or in a residential program can be a difficult decision.
I am hoping that my research into the issues that parents of teens with autism face will help families make an easier transition. Transitioning from teenager to young adult can be difficult for even the most typical family; these issues are compounded when a family has a child with a developmental disability, including autism. As with everything else related to autism, there is controversy surrounding some of the decisions that parents make.
I feel that it is important to involve the individual with autism in the decision as much as possible. If college is an option, work with your child to determine his comfort level with living at home or perhaps going away to college. If a residential program is more likely, consider taking your child on a tour of the facility. Just because a person has autism, even a non-verbal autistic, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be a part of the process.
As my children grow, I get less nervous about the process of transitioning into young adults. With autism spectrum disorders as prevalent as they are today, I know that by the time my two grow up there will be fantastic options available for them.