As the children of TACA’s parents have aged, we’ve worked to put together a series of articles to address teen- and adult-related issues and services. Below you will find many articles to help you survive the teen years and get your young adult on the road to his or her future. Teenagers with ASD Articles […]
Tag: teens
Teens with ASD: Introduction & Article Links
Written by Holly Bortfeld The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi Ready or not, here it comes! No matter which road you take on your autism journey with your child, one thing is an inevitable fact for us all – our kids become adults. Quicker than you can blink, […]
Teens with ASD: Life Skills
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi I asked parents of older teens and adults (link below) what advice they had for parents of tweens and one resounding concern kept coming back – “academics are nice but if your kid can’t function in the real world, he’s in trouble, […]
ASD Teens Cooking Class©
ASD Teens Cooking Class© By Holly Bortfeld My son Max has been homeschooled since his diagnosis back in 1998. Even when he attended a private school for kids with ASD, he still had a home program too. As an ex-caterer, foodie and TACA recipe creator, one of the things I’ve always wanted my kids to […]
Back to School Links
Back to School Links Yes, it’s that time of year again. We’ve organized all of our Back To School links in one easy place for you! IEP and Special Ed Basics http://tacanow.org/family-resources/getting-ready-for-advocacy/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/closing-the-iep-deal/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/ideas-on-hiring-paying-for-a-special-education-attorney/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/special-education-tips-links/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/independent-assessments/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/presentation-special-education-advocacy/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/upcoming-legal-seminars/ http://tacanow.org/blog/the-real-cost-of-special-education-considering-the-return-on-investment/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/teens-with-asd-testing/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/the-back-to-school-assignment-for-parents-of-special-needs-kids/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/fundamentals-of-special-education/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/getting-staying-organized/ Partners in Policymaking Online Classes Allergies and IEPs http://tacanow.org/family-resources/tips-for-including-dietary-restrictions-in-your-child%E2%80%99s-iep/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/an-essential-handout-for-teachers-aides/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/gfcfsf-school-supplies/ http://tacanow.org/family-resources/must-schools-provide-casein-and-gluten-free-foods/ […]
Teens with ASD: “Been There, Done That” Advice from Parents
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi Being realistic When your baby is born, the sky is the limit. As all kids grow older, their personalities gradually form them into the imperfect beings that we all become, lead them to new activities, to the pursuit of new dreams and […]
Teens with ASD: College
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi Prepping your teens for college Yes, college is a real possibility for many with ASD. My daughter is a senior in high school this year and we’ve just begun the hunt for schools and scholarships. First word of advice? Start when your […]
Teens with ASD: Siblings
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi The only thing everyone has ever agreed on when your child was diagnosed was that “Early intervention is crucial.” Yes, it certainly is, and the learning curve for autism is hugely steep, confusing and time-sensitive. So when you were so immersed in […]
Teens with ASD: Driving
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi Most teenagers know driving a car is a rite of passage and are anxious to get their license. Unfortunately, not all kids with autism or Asperger’s are going to be able to operate a car safely. It can be difficult to explain […]
Teens with ASD: Extracurricular Activities
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi Just because your child has autism doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be involved in fun activities. Even if your child cannot paddle a kayak, he can sit in a tandem kayak while you paddle. He can also learn how to paddle by himself […]
Teens with ASD: Testing for Adolescents
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi Specialized Tests for Adolescents As kids get older, the usual tests given to younger kids will likely not fit anymore. Here is a list of some of the age-appropriate tests used for adolescents. Social Language Development Test Adolescent Ages: 12-17 Grades: 7-12 […]
Teens with ASD: Transition IEPs
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi What does “transition services” mean? The term “transition services” means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that: Is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the […]
Teens with ASD: Keeping Your Teen Safe
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi Safety: Your kids are never too old that you can let your guard down! Just because your child is older and taller doesn’t mean he or she won’t need the same, or even more, protections then they needed when they were younger. […]
Teens with ASD: Self Advocacy and Self-Esteem
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi Self-advocacy, or speaking up for one’s self, is a very important skill for people with disabilities. But it can also be very difficult. Self-advocacy requires certain skills that a child with autism (especially one who has had many years of ABA – […]
Teens with ASD: How to Start the GFCFSF Diet with an Older Child
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi How to start the GFCFSF diet with an older child As an “alpha parent”, my first instinct is to use the old standby “Because I said so!”. That may work inside your house but your child is going to be out of your […]
Teens with ASD: Medical Treatment with an Older Child
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi Medical Interventions are not just for the very young. The beautiful thing about medical intervention is that there is no “window” during which medical treatments will only work, but rather we’ve seen many families start medical treatments with teens and adults with […]
Teens with ASD: Puberty – What to Expect, Seizures, Anxiety, Sexuality
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi Puberty Sexuality Seizures Anxiety For Girls Only Suggested Reading Puberty: The Great Equalizer I have always called puberty the “great equalizer” because I have seen so many kids drastically change, good or bad, during puberty. Some children, with no changes in […]
Teens with ASD: Social Skills
The future depends on what we do in the present. – Mahatma Gandhi Social skills are increasingly important with age. What is acceptable behavior from a 4-year-old, is no longer acceptable from a 14-year-old. Start establishing appropriate behavior and habits earlier, rather than later, to avoid issues as your child gets older. For example, letting […]
