Autism and the Transition to Adulthood

Every year, over 70,000 young people on the autism spectrum in the United States reach the legal age of majority. For many, turning 18 is about newfound freedom and opportunities. But for autistic individuals, this transition can bring a wave of uncertainty and anxiety. As someone who has dedicated years to supporting children with autism, I’ve seen firsthand how the focus is often on early intervention. Yet, autism is a lifelong journey, and adulthood presents its own unique set of challenges.

As the young people I’ve worked with grow up, they begin to navigate situations that are different from their childhood experiences.

Navigating the Path to Adulthood: Common Hurdles

One of the biggest shifts is in changes in routines. Predictability is often a source of comfort and security for autistic individuals. Suddenly facing changes like leaving school, starting a job, or moving can be incredibly unsettling. The level of support needed varies greatly, but adapting to new environments and understanding societal expectations can be a significant challenge. New routines also mean taking on new responsibilities, both personally and within the community.

Communication and social relationships evolve dramatically in adulthood. Think about job interviews, building new friendships, dating, or simply interacting with colleagues. Difficulties with direct communication or interpreting subtle social cues can feel like a major barrier. Based on my years as an RBT, I know how crucial explicit teaching of social skills can be. Increased exposure to new social settings, whether it’s forming relationships, interacting in public, or navigating interviews, all require navigating complex social dynamics that can be particularly challenging.

Developing essential life skills is another critical area. Managing finances, preparing meals, using public transport independently, or organizing time – these skills, which rely heavily on executive functions like planning, often require intentional teaching and consistent practice. It’s not always intuitive, and that’s okay.

Finding the right access to resources and support can also become more difficult. Many families I’ve connected with worry about the drop-off in support after the school years end. Locating experienced professionals, relevant programs, support services like vocational rehabilitation, or even just appropriate materials can feel overwhelming.

Strategies for Support: My Approach

At The Behavior Therapist Backpack (tbtb.life), my goal is to empower therapists and families with practical tools to smooth this transition. Based on my experience, here are some key strategies:

• Visual Planning is Powerful: I’ve seen how visual schedules and agendas, using pictures to detail steps in a new routine or change, can make a world of difference. They make processes more predictable, concrete, and manageable. On tbtb.life, I envision offering resources like visual boards and pictogram sets specifically designed for this.
• Role-Playing for Social Smarts: Practicing everyday situations through communication board games or conversation cards can be incredibly effective, whether in therapy sessions or at home. This includes navigating work scenarios or interacting with roommates.
• Building Life Skills Step-by-Step: Using concrete materials for practical activities – like using play money, creating visual grocery lists, or simple cooking exercises – breaks down complex skills into manageable steps. I plan to develop kits on tbtb.life tailored to building these skills.
• Connecting with Specialized Support: Seeking out local or online organizations that offer workshops on independent living, supported employment programs, peer support groups, or mentorships is vital. Vocational rehabilitation services can be instrumental in finding and keeping a job.

Finding Inspiration: Voices That Resonate

I believe it’s important to find inspiration in the journeys of autistic adults who are building fulfilling lives. Here are a few voices worth following:

• Kieran Rose: The Autistic Advocate. Kieran’s work on Autistic Masking and Burnout is particularly insightful. As an author, speaker, and consultant, his perspective as an autistic adult and father of autistic children offers invaluable understanding. You can find his blog at https://theautisticadvocate.com/blog/.
• Chris Bonello: Autistic Not Weird. Chris’s story of receiving his diagnosis later in life and reframing his perspective from challenges to strengths is truly inspiring. His work encourages other autistic individuals to recognize their own unique abilities. His website is https://autisticnotweird.com/.
• Emily Katy. Emily’s openness about her experiences with autism, ADHD, and mental health, shared through her book and blog, provides a powerful voice for young autistic women. As a mental health nurse and Trustee for the Autistic Girls Network, her work is making a significant impact. You can read her blog at https://www.authenticallyemily.uk/.

These stories highlight the diverse paths autistic adults can forge and the potential for rich, meaningful lives.

My Perspective as a Therapist and Parent

From my vantage point as a behavior therapist who has worked with children with autism since 2019, and as a parent myself, I see the transition to adulthood for autistic individuals as a period with real challenges, yes, but also immense potential and opportunities for growth. The key, in my experience, lies in consistent support, patience, and utilizing resources that are truly adapted to each individual’s needs.

At The Behavior Therapist Backpack, I am committed to creating and offering practical, visual, and concrete tools. I believe these resources can make the transition process feel more predictable and less daunting. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the potential to incorporate AI into tbtb.life to further personalize and enhance the support we can offer.

I invite you to explore the resources that will be available on www.tbtb.life , download any free materials, and join a community dedicated to the development and well-being of every person with autism.

Because I truly believe that every step forward matters… and that no one should have to walk this path alone.

And… because I really feel connected with this autistic technician story, I want to share this interesting interview with you: