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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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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Government Resources and Obligations
All men must register for Selective Service (aka the Draft), even men with autism, unless they are institutionalized. Are Disabled…
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Legal Planning and Special Needs Trusts
Proper planning for your child’s future requires documentation, and all of these require a lawyer. Last Will and TestamentDescribes how…
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Guardianships and Conservatorships
It seems like just yesterday that my son was toddling around on unsteady legs and poof, now he’s almost a…
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Vocational Rehabilitation
Another Big Date Blink. Now your child is turning 22. What are the options when the school bus stops coming for…
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Housing
There are several types of housing options available. A disabled adult can live on their own, if able, in houses or…
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College Programs and Funding
There are many programs to help your child attend and succeed at college. TIP! If you are going to apply for…
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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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Prepping Your Teen for College
Yes, college is a real possibility for many with autism. My daughter is a senior in high school this year…
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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,…