Coming of age & Autism
For all parents helping children transition to adulthood can be stressful. Families worry if they have equipped their children with the skills and resources needed to be independent, safe and healthy adults. For parents of children with autism, the normal stressors of this transition are magnified.
According to “Autism Speaks,” planning for this transition to adulthood should start at age 14 if not earlier. In Pennsylvania for special education purposes, the age of majority is 21 years old. One of the most important things a family must decide is whether their child is capable of understanding the choices they may face about future education, employment, community experiences, and living situations once adults. If the family feels their son or daughter would be unable to make those decisions, then applying for guardianship should start early.
An important task for adults with autism is to make sure that they have applied for social security disability, medical insurance and applied for housing even if not immediately needed. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation can also be an invaluable resource to evaluate what type of employment or job training may be available and appropriate.
Providing adults with autism with the support and services needed to be safe and healthy should start early and be individualized based on the functioning and capabilities of the individual.
Mary E. Kelleher, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Berks Community Health Center
