Launching Your Autistic Youth to Successful Adulthood: Everything You Need to Know About Promoting Independence and Planning for the Future

The transition from high school to adulthood is one of the most challenging times for young people—even more so for those on the autism spectrum. What will happen when all their familiar teachers, educational assistants, and friends disappear after graduation, and who will replace them in the adult world? How will austitic teens manage this drastic change? Drawing on her experience as a child psychiatrist, as well as the mother of a child on the autism spectrum, Katharina Manassis shares common transition-related challenges and offers real solutions for each. This book helps parents and teens plan for every stage of the journey, discussing what a successful transition means and how to set realistic goals, and explores specific aspects of the transition—such as employment, independence, and social life—and looks at how to address long-term concerns—i.e. living arrangements, financial support, etc.