start early! it’s never too soon to start working on independent living skills!

Transitioning to Living on Your Own

Meghan Just, M.Ed.

FALLING OFF THE CLIFF

PRE-TRANSISTION(from high school)

PRE-TRANSISTION(from high school): START EARLY!

It’s never too soon to start working on independent living skills!

PRE-TRANSISTION(from high school): Parent expectations – what

they are and how they change as adulthood approaches

PRE-TRANSISTION(from high school): Use teachable moments and

expect more

PRE-TRANSISTION(from high school): Use the IEP as a resource for

skill building throughout the day

PRE-TRANSISTION(from high school): Find volunteer and work

placements early to start practicing real life experiences

PRE-TRANSISTION(from high school): Accommodate your child, but

push the boundaries! Set the bar realistically high!

DIFFICULTIES OF LEAVING THE

NEST

DIFFICULTIES OF LEAVING THE NEST

Provide supports, but let them mess up. It’s how we all learn!

DIFFICULTIES OF LEAVING THE NEST

- Hygiene- Transportation- Cooking/

shopping/planning meals

- Social interaction- Budgets and bill

paying- First aid and safety- Online relationships

and dating

Some daily living skills that make adults successful:

DIFFICULTIES OF LEAVING THE NEST

- What’s appropriate and how to target for it

Hygiene…

DIFFICULTIES OF LEAVING THE NEST

- Is driving safe? What else should you consider?

Transportation…

DIFFICULTIES OF LEAVING THE NEST

- Using visual planning tools, lists, and cookbooks

Cooking/Shopping/Planning Meals…

DIFFICULTIES OF LEAVING THE NEST

- Interview skills- Appropriate

interactions with supervisors and peers

Social Interaction…

DIFFICULTIES OF LEAVING THE NEST

- Even if they aren’t directly paying bills, have them involved in the process!

Budgeting and Bill Paying…

DIFFICULTIES OF LEAVING THE NEST

- Do you have a plan in place?

- What happens when it all goes wrong?

First Aid and Safety…

DIFFICULTIES OF LEAVING THE NEST

- What to say and when to say it!

Online Relationships and Dating…

MAKING YOUR OWN MONEY

MAKING YOUR OWN MONEY

According to a study published in Pediatrics in June 2014, only 35 percent of young adults with autism attended college and only 55 percent had a job during the first six years after high school.

MAKING YOUR OWN MONEY

How to be competitive for employment, building a resume

MAKING YOUR OWN MONEY

SSI/SSDI- how to apply and who will qualify

MAKING YOUR OWN MONEY

Community resources that help with employment!

- Vocational Rehabilitation

- Orange Grove Ticket to Work

IN THEIR SHOES

1. Ryan Lowery2. Kelly Boston3. Lucas Durham-Styles