All parents experience some aspect of learning as you go. Parenting is truly something that you don’t fully understand until you are living and breathing it, day in and day out.
Parents of autistic young adults have another layer of complexity added on to their parenting journey. Learning about their kid’s diagnosis and unique set of strengths and challenges can make parenting more nuanced for some families.
Today, we’re going to talk about managing the ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ phenomenon and how Spectrum Transition Coaching is hoping to illuminate some of those unknowns.
Key Transitions in Autistic Teens Lives
Early High School (9th-10th grade)
At this age, some autistic teens crave more independence while parents aren’t sure where or how to give it. Students might feel comfortable with past coursework but unsure as classes get harder. Parents may be thinking about what their student’s life will look like after high school graduation and whether traditional college, community college or a gap year is best.
There are many topics for parents and students to navigate together in this phase including:
- Learning to drive
- Researching summer experiences
- Opting into AP classes or dual enrollment
- Growing life skills like doing laundry and cooking meals
- Teaching money management
- And more!
Senior Year of High School
By now, your student is in the thick of college admissions. Your family is navigating changes in family dynamics, major financial decisions and leaps into more independence. It comes as no surprise that tensions can be high at this time as parents and students have their own opinions, hopes and fears for what comes next.
Specifically, families are deciding:
- What universities and programs are best for the student
- How high school IEPs and 504 plans will translate to college-level accommodations
- All of the collegiate forms for housing choices, scholarships, FAFSA and more
- Senior year celebrations
- Medical changes as students turn 18 and are legally adults
- Worries about how freshmen year will go
How STC Can Help
Whether your student is just starting high school or approaching graduation, it can be helpful to everyone to get on the same page. We’ve designed the Autism Independence Index to do just that. This 2-session package combines input from both parent and student as well as our team’s expertise to create a custom road map to help your family navigate these seasons. Here’s how it works:
- Schedule an intro call with Beth. This helps us get to know your family and select the right package for your current needs. For families with students in 9th, 10th and 11th grades, the Autism Independence Index can be a great place to start. If your student is a senior, the Autism Independence Index may help guide decisions about steps to take now and immediately after graduation to ensure a successful transition to college.
- Book the Autism Independence Index Package This includes a pair of virtual sessions with parent(s) and student, individualized assessments and our team’s expert analysis, and a customized report.
You’ll get a better understanding of where you and your student see eye-to-eye and where there are gaps. Parents tell us this feels like a ‘treasure trove’ of personalized information to help guide those discussions so they are productive instead of tense. - Walk away with a custom game plan tailored to your teens’ strengths and challenges. You’ll know what to focus on first, which resources we recommend and how to stay on track. We only work with a few clients at a time. Join the waitlist here! And we’ll let you know when we are ready for you to book your package.