Tangible Steps to Independence Ben Wahl, MSW

Tangible Steps to Independence

Ben Wahl, MSWwww.aspiringyouth.net

Overview

The Young Adult Transition and our students

Parent Strategies- Creating Tangible Steps

IEP and Transition Goals Your Role Your Resources Your Community

You Parents Kick Ass!

Resiliency

You may have travelled a longer road. But that also means that you (and your child) have travelled further.

You are more prepared than you think. Your son or daughter is more prepared than you think.

Crux of the Issue

-All teens and young adults have uncertainty about the transition to adulthood. They take many steps to avoid it. They may have unrealistic views. They may be overly confident. They may not be confident enough.

Our students are like their ‘neuro-typical’ peers….but more.

Crux of the Issue

What is tough for our students is that they need to prepare more than their peers...

…While at the same time they may have greater avoidance than their peers.

Strengths for the Transition

-Trustworthy-Sharp focus-Loyal -Consistent-Aware of the importance of self-advocacy (not innately but through instruction) -Humor-Empathy

Strengths for the Transition

-True to themselves-Kind-Not Greedy-Aware of the importance of appropriate social skills (not innately, but through instruction)-Often good with younger children and older adults.

Success!

But there are challenges as well “In the first two years following High

School, over 50% of young people with ASD had no connection with education or employment”.

“Over 40% had no organized social activity”.

Shattuck, et al, 2010

Challenges

Difficulty foreseeing future situations Difficulty adapting Logical/rigid/anxious Communication challenges (unseen

disability)

Challenges

Unrealistic view Desire for independence but no context Fatigue Isolation

General Strategies

Try New Things: Build ‘Comfort with Discomfort’

Have the student formulate ideas Self-advocacy/Awareness Build a team/Have a Schedule Accommodations with Accountability Self Care

Steps to Independence

The Transition to Independence is a process, made up of several distinct components (or ‘steps’).

We have been taught that it is a ‘launch’.

Step: Deciding post-secondary options. Adjusting.

Strategies: Visit, take enrichment classes (try new

things). Set goals for communication and self-

advocacy with adults. Talk to older siblings or mentors. Pursue community service, internships

or employment.

Step: Executive Functioning

Strategies: Student must be able to keep track of

their day planner. 20 hours of outside-the-home structured

time. Responsible for calling and scheduling

their own appointments (with assistance).

Budgeting/tracking money.

Step: Independent Living Skills

Strategies: House Contributions (Chores) Visual cues for routines Adaptive Technologies Firm Boundaries Self-moderation of computer time Commitment to wellness activity Establish sleep schedule Commitment to medication regimen

Step: Social Connections

Strategies: Self-identify social strengths and

weaknesses. Self-initiate phone calls or emails to

peers. Identify and commit to a structured

social outlet. Social Media Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Social Radar

Step: Transportation

Strategies: Bus Training with a coach/mentor Driver’s License Training with a

coach/mentor ACCESS Bike

Step: Dating

Strategy: Get a Therapist

IEP and Transition Goals

"We need to focus on skills that really make a difference in a person's life. If we're not providing skills that transfer out of the classroom, that's a real problem. When is the last time any of you wrote an IEP where the goal was happiness?"

Peter Gerhardt, PhD, OAR Board Member, 2004

Continued

Transition Goals must guide the IEP Criteria: Measureable Have concrete steps towards the goal Realistic Have alternatives

Other Resources

Community Colleges: Disability Resource Centers

DVR/Job Vendors Vocational Training Programs Special Needs Planners Clubs and Groups Internships Informal Networks (Businesses,

Neighbors, Churches)

Summary

The challenges are large and the landscape is new and confusing.

But You have: Community Resilience and Toughness Awesome Children Strength in the knowledge that you

are the vanguard of a civil rights movement.

www.aspiringyouth.net