HOW TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD IN AUTISM: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE AIM OF THRIVING! (1967 hits)
For Immediate Release From Autism Research Institute!
Results from a study that focused on transition to adulthood in Autism will be presented, including considerations for advancing service access and navigation, employment support, and post-secondary education access for Autistic adults. Recent findings addressing post-pandemic capacity-building in these areas will be offered.
This free webinar is a joint presentation by ARI and the World Autism Organisation.
Back to school season can bring up a range of emotions. Families with kids on the autism spectrum may have to navigate this time of year a little differently. This may include making a plan, preparing your child for challenges, and considering what’s next beyond high school. To learn more, we spoke with Lindsay Naeder, Vice President, Services and Supports Community Impact Autism Speaks.
They recently launched a resource called Autism by the Numbers (ABN) (https://nationalautismdatacenter.org/autism-by-the-numbers/) where you can find state-by-state breakdowns of key autism data as well as education stats. Other resources for families include a School Community Tool Kit (https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/school-community-tool-kit) to promote understanding and acceptance at school and a child’s safety plan (https://www.autismspeaks.org/creating-safety-plans-people-autism) to help them navigate new experiences. Read on for some insightful tips about how to prepare for the new year ahead if your child is on the autism spectrum.
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Back to School Tips for Families with Kids on the Autism Spectrum
Kids are back at school, and while we always worry about them picking up a cold or getting the flu, there are currently a few viruses to contend with. What sort of tips and good hygiene habits can we have kids implement to keep these viruses at bay? We chatted with Dr. Sandra Bonat, Pediatric Physician Advisor at VIP StarNetwork https://vipstarnetwork.com/, who shared her expert tips and shared why it’s essential parents should encourage their children to practice good health habits now that we are Back to School.
Make sure your child’s IEP or Individualized Education Program, 504 plan, and other learning supportive services are updated. This ensures that your child is receiving appropriate education services tailored to their unique strengths and needs. An IEP or 504 plan will evolve over the course of a child’s school career. It is important to meet with their team. This allows you to assess where they may need more or less support at the start and throughout the school year. As students get older, you can involve them in IEP and 504 planning. Parents can work on their child’s team to find opportunities for planning and goal setting. This is great for building self-advocacy skills. Autism Speaks offers a guide on IEP best practices and advocacy tools to help you navigate this process: https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/guid...
Westchester Family: What is the best way to speak to your school’s administration about your child’s autism?
Lindsay Naeder: Whether it is your first IEP meeting or 10th, it is important to remember that parents are members of the school community too. In fact, most parents report they initiate the connections between their child and many members of the school community each year. It is important to be becoming an informed advocate and familiar with your child’s rights. This can help keep communication open with your child’s teachers, support staff and school administration. Parents can prepare by reviewing our School Community Tool Kit. Here, you’ll find information on how to support a student with autism as well as how to promote an understanding with administrators and peers.
An IEP meeting includes parents, the student, teachers, support staff and administration. They are all dedicated to walking through a child’s needs to develop IEP goals.
The objective is to provide the student with appropriate special education. This helps them access the curriculum in the least restrictive environment. Be sure to include any specific needs in the IEP, along with a safety plan. In addition, include considerations for staff in all settings. This may include bus drivers, school safety officers, lunchroom and recess school staff.
