Teen & Adult Articles
Teens and adults diagnosed with autism have different needs. Below you will find articles to help you survive the teen years and get your young adult on the road to his or her future.
School
IEP Transition Planning
One of the core objectives of IDEA is to prepare students for life after high school. Specifically, further education, employment,…
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Autism and Bullying
Most parents worry about their child being bullied. While statistics vary across research studies, people with autism are undoubtedly victims of…
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Inclusion
Inclusion is a philosophy based on the belief that ALL students belong to their school community. Inclusion gives all students–regardless of label–access…
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Independent Assessments
In order to develop effective goals with your child’s team, you need to know what their strengths and areas of…
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Behavior Issues at School: FBA, BIP, and Seclusion and Restraint
Students with autism may display challenging behaviors that interfere with their education or another student’s education. When this happens, schools…
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Managing Behavior at School: FBA and BIP
Imagine a child in math class, at a time when the students are expected to work independently. With a shout,…
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Developing Skills
Life Skills
Functional life skills are the everyday tasks we all need to lead independent lives. Mastering these skills builds self-esteem and…
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Job Skills
Working gives people the opportunity to show their abilities, take pride in their accomplishments, and contribute to the community. While…
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Executive Functioning Skills
Executive function is an umbrella term used to describe a set of cognitive skills we use to successfully navigate everyday…
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Social Skills
Social skills are a person’s ability to effectively interact and communicate with others through our words, actions, and body language….
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Facilitating Friendships
Friendship is an important part of life. A good friend can provide a feeling of connection, happiness, and self-worth. However,…
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Self-Advocacy
When it comes to navigating the world, the importance of self-advocacy cannot be overstated. This crucial ability can be the…
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Crushes, Dating, and Romantic Relationships
Many people on the autism spectrum desire love and companionship like anyone else. But navigating the complexities of dating and…
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Medical
Puberty
Puberty can be daunting for any teen. Physical changes, rapidly changing hormones, new routines for hygiene, and mood swings place…
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Anxiety in Autism
Anxiety is very common in autism. A meta-analysis showed that almost 40% of kids with autism have at least one comorbid anxiety…
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Underlying Medical Issues in Autism
Behavior is communication. Sometimes our kids with autism are communicating their medical issues to us through their behavior. Figuring out…
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Seizures
Seizures are a significant concern in autism because of their high prevalence and association with increased mortality and morbidity among…
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PANDAS/PANS and Autism
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcal Infections, or PANDAS, is a common autoimmune disorder with far-reaching movement, behavioral, and…
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Medical Causes of Aggression in Autism
Several underlying medical issues, common to autism, can cause or contribute to aggressive behavior. However, when these medical issues are…
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Healthy Eating Tips for Teens and Adults with Autism
Everyone knows that a nutritious diet is key to being healthy. But how do we get our teens and adults…
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Safety
Keeping Your Kids with ASD Safe
Safety is a top priority to all parents. Having autism brings unique challenges to keeping our children safe and protected….
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Risk Reduction Strategies for Physical and Sexual Abuse
Sadly, individuals with autism are more vulnerable to abuse due to challenges in communication, poor social awareness, and being viewed…
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Autism and Bullying
Most parents worry about their child being bullied. While statistics vary across research studies, people with autism are undoubtedly victims of…
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Life After High School
ABLE Accounts
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 is a tax-advantaged savings program designed for eligible people with…
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Job Skills
Working gives people the opportunity to show their abilities, take pride in their accomplishments, and contribute to the community. While…
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State Identification and Real ID
When a person turns 18, they need to obtain a state identification card. Typically, a person’s driver’s license serves as…
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Vocational Rehabilitation
When it comes to autism and employment, the obstacles are quite apparent. For many individuals with autism, getting a job…
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Special Needs Trusts
Do you have a loved one with special needs that requires long-term care, support, and assistance? If so, it’s important…
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Legal Planning and Autism
If you have a loved one with a disability that needs life-long assistance, planning for their future legal needs is…
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Housing
When it comes to housing options for adults with autism, there is a wide range of choices available. Each individual…
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College and Post-Secondary Education
Choosing to attend college and finding the best college can be hard for everyone. For students with autism, it’s important…
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Social Security
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSDI) are crucial government assistance programs that provide financial support to individuals…
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Employment
Ensuring successful employment for individuals with autism often requires an integrated approach involving the individual, their employer, and the community….
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Community Support
Inclusive Practices for Employers
Inclusive Practices for Employers Create employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum with the goal of developing their confidence,…