Dear Ms. Shafer,
We are writing in response to your recent news segment “Journey Through Parenthood | Autism Acceptance Month: Life after high school.” We commend you for using your platform to highlight the importance of planning for adulthood for individuals with autism. Your segment with Marc Ellison from West Virginia Autism Center sparked a conversation about the importance of starting early in planning the transition into adulthood. More than half of adults with autism are unemployed and many have few opportunities to actively participate and contribute to society. One way to change this would be through proactive team-based planning to identify the strengths and preferences of the autistic individual and to take steps in supporting them and their families in identifying appropriate post-educational supports and opportunities (i.e., employment). Sadly, as stated in the interview, only 58% of students with autism receive transition planning in high school, even though it is required by federal law. Parents of children with autism are their advocates, so beginning the conversation with school providers at the right time is critical. To this end, parents should be provided with information about the transition period, be empowered to ask questions, and to not accept the word “no” when it comes to accessing the right transition supports.
Early transition planning can lead to better post-school outcomes for adults with autism as they reach adulthood. Parents should start the conversation on transition planning ideally by the age of 14. Parents may wish to have certain conversations about transition planning with their child’s educators, and, even more so, with local centers that provide college, recreational, and employment support. We provide transition planning resources for families at the website of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment, and hope you will consider sharing this information with your readers.
Best,
Helena Whitlow-Stanzione, M.S., BCBA, LABA
Dr Erin Leif, PhD, BCBA-D
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
