Beginning Transition Planning:

"According to author and autism advocate Linda Davis, "Assuming that rate holds, by 2016, less than a decade from now, the number of American adults (those 22 and over) with autism is expected to be nearly 1.5 million." The Autism Society realizes the needs of adults on the autism spectrum are different than those of children and need to be addressed through a variety of service systems. The goal for our society should be adults who are gainfully employed, are in living situations that are as independent as possible, and who have healthy, enjoyable social and community outlets. For those individuals who may not be able to achieve all of these milestones, it is crucial they be supported throughout the lifespan to ensure the highest quality of life possible."

http://www.autism-society.org/on-the-spectrum.html  

"As students with ASD progress through middle and high school, transitions remain a present and challenging aspect of life. Along with the physical and emotional changes and challenges of puberty, the student and his/her family will in many cases begin to address the move to either employment or college life; this transition planning should begin when the child reaches age 14. And, in fact, transition services are mandated under IDEA for disabled children age 14 and older."

http://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/lifespan/transitions.html

Book of the Week: Asperger syndrome [videorecording (DVD)] : transition to college and work / a Coulter Video Production. Coulter Video, 2001.  Details how people with Asperger's syndrome prepare for college or find and hold a job. With college preparation checklist at the end. Includes interviews with Peter Gerhardt, Ed. D., and Ann Binder and Mary Beth Berry, special needs providers.

This DVD is in SESA Library; you may search the library catalog via the SESA website, or contact Anne directly by email at afreitag@sesa.org, or by phone at 907-334-1301.