tangible steps to independence ben wahl, msw
TRANSCRIPT
Tangible Steps to Independence
Ben Wahl, MSWwww.aspiringyouth.net
Overview
The Young Adult Transition and our students
Parent Strategies- Creating Tangible Steps
IEP and Transition Goals Your Role Your Resources Your Community
You Parents Kick Ass!
Resiliency
You may have travelled a longer road. But that also means that you (and your child) have travelled further.
You are more prepared than you think. Your son or daughter is more prepared than you think.
Crux of the Issue
-All teens and young adults have uncertainty about the transition to adulthood. They take many steps to avoid it. They may have unrealistic views. They may be overly confident. They may not be confident enough.
Our students are like their ‘neuro-typical’ peers….but more.
Crux of the Issue
What is tough for our students is that they need to prepare more than their peers...
…While at the same time they may have greater avoidance than their peers.
Strengths for the Transition
-Trustworthy-Sharp focus-Loyal -Consistent-Aware of the importance of self-advocacy (not innately but through instruction) -Humor-Empathy
Strengths for the Transition
-True to themselves-Kind-Not Greedy-Aware of the importance of appropriate social skills (not innately, but through instruction)-Often good with younger children and older adults.
Success!
But there are challenges as well “In the first two years following High
School, over 50% of young people with ASD had no connection with education or employment”.
“Over 40% had no organized social activity”.
Shattuck, et al, 2010
Challenges
Difficulty foreseeing future situations Difficulty adapting Logical/rigid/anxious Communication challenges (unseen
disability)
Challenges
Unrealistic view Desire for independence but no context Fatigue Isolation
General Strategies
Try New Things: Build ‘Comfort with Discomfort’
Have the student formulate ideas Self-advocacy/Awareness Build a team/Have a Schedule Accommodations with Accountability Self Care
Steps to Independence
The Transition to Independence is a process, made up of several distinct components (or ‘steps’).
We have been taught that it is a ‘launch’.
Step: Deciding post-secondary options. Adjusting.
Strategies: Visit, take enrichment classes (try new
things). Set goals for communication and self-
advocacy with adults. Talk to older siblings or mentors. Pursue community service, internships
or employment.
Step: Executive Functioning
Strategies: Student must be able to keep track of
their day planner. 20 hours of outside-the-home structured
time. Responsible for calling and scheduling
their own appointments (with assistance).
Budgeting/tracking money.
Step: Independent Living Skills
Strategies: House Contributions (Chores) Visual cues for routines Adaptive Technologies Firm Boundaries Self-moderation of computer time Commitment to wellness activity Establish sleep schedule Commitment to medication regimen
Step: Social Connections
Strategies: Self-identify social strengths and
weaknesses. Self-initiate phone calls or emails to
peers. Identify and commit to a structured
social outlet. Social Media Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Social Radar
Step: Transportation
Strategies: Bus Training with a coach/mentor Driver’s License Training with a
coach/mentor ACCESS Bike
Step: Dating
Strategy: Get a Therapist
IEP and Transition Goals
"We need to focus on skills that really make a difference in a person's life. If we're not providing skills that transfer out of the classroom, that's a real problem. When is the last time any of you wrote an IEP where the goal was happiness?"
Peter Gerhardt, PhD, OAR Board Member, 2004
Continued
Transition Goals must guide the IEP Criteria: Measureable Have concrete steps towards the goal Realistic Have alternatives
Other Resources
Community Colleges: Disability Resource Centers
DVR/Job Vendors Vocational Training Programs Special Needs Planners Clubs and Groups Internships Informal Networks (Businesses,
Neighbors, Churches)
Summary
The challenges are large and the landscape is new and confusing.
But You have: Community Resilience and Toughness Awesome Children Strength in the knowledge that you
are the vanguard of a civil rights movement.
www.aspiringyouth.net