Moving from being a teenager to an adult is a big step for everyone. But for young adults with autism and their families, it comes with extra challenges. One big worry is what happens when the support from school under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ends. This support has been a big help, but it stops when they become adults. This is where many parents start to worry about what comes next for their young adults with autism.
That’s why it’s important to look at the supportive living options available to keep helping these young adults live well and keep growing. One place ready to help is The Arise Society in Utah. The Arise Society helps young adults with autism or those dealing with anxiety or depression. They offer personalized help with school, therapy, and making friends in a setting that feels like the real world. This way, the young adults can keep learning and growing even after leaving school. They can go to college, join in group therapy, and take part in social events with the help of mentors who are there to support them around the clock.
The Arise Society knows the unique needs of young adults with autism. They offer a strong support system to make the move into adulthood smoother. In the following sections, we will talk about what autism in young adults looks like, the big change after leaving the educational system, the benefits of living arrangements with support, housing options, and where parents can find more help and resources. This article aims to give parents the information and resources they need to help their young adults with autism have a bright future.
Understanding Autism in Young Adults:
Autism is a condition that affects how a person interacts with the world around them. It’s often noticed in early childhood, but its effects continue into adulthood. Every person with autism is unique, but there are some common traits. These might include finding social situations tough, following set patterns of behavior, and being highly skilled or interested in a particular area.
Young adults with autism may find the social side of life challenging. They might find it hard to read social cues or understand others’ feelings. They may prefer routines and struggle with change. Also, they might have strong, focused interests that they love to talk about or explore.
Understanding these traits can help in finding the right kind of support. For instance, a young adult with autism might thrive in a living situation that offers a structured routine. They might also benefit from being in a setting where they can share and discuss their special interests with others.
It’s not just about the challenges though. Many young adults with autism have unique strengths. They might have deep knowledge in specific areas, attention to detail, or a strong sense of fairness. Recognizing and celebrating these strengths can help young adults with autism feel valued and understood.
At The Arise Society, the focus is on understanding each young adult’s unique needs and strengths. With this understanding, they can offer the right kind of support. This support helps young adults with autism to live independently, continue learning, and enjoy social interactions in a way that works for them.
Do you want more articles about Autism? Check out our article about the Autism Creature named Yippee.
Transitioning Out of the Educational System:
When young adults with autism finish their time in school, a new chapter of life begins. But this change can be hard. Until now, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has helped provide support. Yet, when school ends, so does this support. This is often a worry for parents as they look towards the future for their young adults with autism.
One way to keep up the support is through shared living arrangements. These are living setups where young adults with autism live with others, often with on-site support from caregivers, mentors, or therapists. These living setups allow young adults to live independently while having help nearby.
At The Arise Society, they understand this big change and offer shared living options. Here, young adults with autism can experience living on their own while still having the support they need. This kind of arrangement helps them learn important life skills like cooking, cleaning, and managing money. It also provides a sense of community, making it easier to make friends and enjoy social activities.
With shared living arrangements, young adults with autism get to experience a bit of independence. They also get to learn and grow in a supportive community. It’s a stepping stone towards a more independent life while ensuring they have the help they need.
Shared Living Arrangements and Community Support:
Shared living is an excellent choice for many young adults with autism. It’s a setup where they share a home with others, often with similar conditions. There’s also professional support on hand to help with daily life.
In a shared living arrangement, young adults can have their own space while being part of a community. It’s a balance of independence and support. They can learn life skills like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting with the guidance of caregivers.
The social aspect is a big plus too. Living with others helps build social skills. It provides a way to make friends and enjoy social activities in a comfortable setting.
The Arise Society offers such shared living arrangements. They match individuals with compatible housemates and mentors. This creates a supportive and fun living environment.
The support doesn’t end at daily living tasks. The Arise Society also helps with education, job opportunities, and social outings. This holistic approach helps young adults with autism to grow in many areas of life.
Shared living arrangements provide a pathway towards a more independent life. They offer the support needed while encouraging personal growth and social connections. It’s a wonderful step towards a fulfilling adult life for those with autism.
Housing and Residential Support Options:
Choosing the right living situation is crucial for young adults with autism as they step into adulthood. Parents often look for places where their young adults can live safely, learn life skills, and enjoy social connections. The Arise Society in Utah is one such place that caters to these needs.
The Arise Society provides housing options designed for the unique needs of individuals with autism. They offer a supportive and inclusive environment where young adults can develop vital life skills and gain independence.
Besides housing, The Arise Society also has comprehensive residential support services. These services include trained caregivers who help with daily living activities. They also offer socialization opportunities and help with integrating into the community. This holistic approach ensures that young adults with autism get the support and guidance they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
By joining hands with The Arise Society, parents can have peace of mind. They know their young adult children are in a safe and supportive environment. Here, individuals on the autism spectrum can build meaningful connections, develop essential life skills, and lead fulfilling lives as they navigate the challenges of adulthood.
Benefits of partnering with The Arise Society include:
- Independent Living: Young adults learn to live independently while having necessary support.
- Individualized Care: Each resident gets personalized care plans to meet their unique needs.
- Life Skills Development: Through various programs and activities, young adults learn important life skills.
- Community Integration: Residents engage in community activities, fostering social connections.
- Expert Support: A dedicated team of professionals provides guidance and assistance every step of the way.
Resources and Organizations for Parents:
As parents, knowing where to turn for support and information is crucial. Fortunately, several organizations besides The Arise Society offer help. They provide resources to assist parents in navigating their young adults’ transition into adulthood.
One such organization is Autism Speaks. It offers a wealth of information, guidance, and support for parents. From informational materials to online forums, parents can find a community of others going through similar experiences.
Here’s a quick look at some organizations that offer resources for parents:
- Autism Speaks: Provides informational materials, support groups, and online forums.
- Website: www.autismspeaks.org
- National Autism Association: Offers financial planning resources and legal guidance.
- Website: www.nationalautismassociation.org
- The Arc: Advocates for housing support and community-based services.
- Website: www.thearc.org
Each of these organizations offers a unique set of resources to help parents and young adults with autism. They cover topics like housing options, financial planning, legal considerations, and community-based services. They can also connect parents with local support groups and service providers in their area.
Utilizing the resources and support provided by these organizations can make the journey smoother. Parents can gain the knowledge and assistance needed to help their young adults transition successfully into adulthood. The commitment of these organizations empowers parents and helps ensure a bright future for young adults with autism.
Conclusion – Young Adults with Autism
The journey from adolescence to adulthood for young adults with autism comes with its set of challenges. However, with the right support and resources, this transition can be made smoother. As parents, understanding the available supportive living options and tapping into the wealth of resources provided by organizations like The Arise Society can significantly ease concerns regarding the future.
The Arise Society, alongside other supportive organizations, plays a crucial role in paving a path towards a more independent and fulfilling life for young adults with autism. By offering a variety of living arrangements and support services, they help in bridging the gap between school life and adulthood. This ensures that young adults with autism continue to grow, learn, and thrive even after transitioning out of the educational system.
Embracing the supportive living options and resources available is a solid step towards ensuring a bright and promising future for young adults with autism. It empowers them with the confidence and skills needed to navigate the challenges of adulthood successfully. Moreover, it provides parents with a sense of reassurance, knowing that their young adults are in a nurturing and supportive environment as they step into the next chapter of their lives.
The aim is to create a supportive environment that encourages young adults with autism to reach their fullest potential, maintain a sense of community, and lead a fulfilling life. The journey may have its hurdles, but with a collaborative effort from families, supportive organizations, and the community, a positive transition into adulthood for young adults with autism is highly achievable.
FAQ – Young Adults with Autism: Living Options
- What challenges do young adults with autism face when transitioning to adulthood?
- Young adults with autism may face challenges such as loss of federal support from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), adapting to new social environments, and learning to live independently. The transition can also be hard for parents looking for suitable support and living arrangements for their young adults.
- What is the role of The Arise Society in supporting young adults with autism?
- The Arise Society, located in Utah, provides a range of services to support young adults with autism in transitioning to adulthood. They offer shared living arrangements, educational support, job opportunities, and social integration programs to help these individuals live independently, continue learning, and engage socially.
- What are shared living arrangements and how do they benefit young adults with autism?
- Shared living arrangements are living setups where young adults with autism share a home with others, often with on-site professional support. These arrangements promote independence, life skills development, and social interaction, providing a balanced environment of support and autonomy for young adults with autism.
- What other organizations provide resources and support for parents of young adults with autism?
- Besides The Arise Society, other organizations like Autism Speaks, National Autism Association, and The Arc provide resources and support. They offer informational materials, financial planning resources, legal guidance, housing support, community-based services, and platforms for parents to connect with others facing similar challenges.
- How can parents prepare for their young adults’ transition into adulthood?
- Parents can prepare by exploring different supportive living options, understanding the unique needs and strengths of their young adults with autism, and tapping into resources provided by organizations like The Arise Society and Autism Speaks. Engaging in community activities, and seeking legal and financial planning advice are also crucial steps in preparing for this transition.
Dr. Vaughn Heath, Ph.D
Founder / Clinical Director
In 1998, Vaughn co-founded the Second Nature Wilderness Programs, which changed the industry of outdoor adolescent treatment. While owning and managing these programs, he continued to work with adolescents around issues of trauma, ADHD, depression, anxiety, as well as self-image and eating issues.
From his concern of how students might move from treatment and adjust back into real-life settings, Vaughn founded The Arise Society as a vehicle through which the focus of treatment might shift from mental health issues to real-world issues, namely, college success.
Contact us about supportive living options for your young adult with autism: