The most important goals for education from ages 18 to 21 are the transition to adulthood and what you will do after high school -- whether some type of job or volunteering, training program, technical school, community college or university. Each individual and their situation is different. Everyone needs something to do with their days and to find what is right for them.
This is also a time to think about housing which you’ll find information about in this Housing article in the Milestones Autism Planning (MAP) Tool for 18 to 21 year olds, as well as this overview MAP article about different housing options.
If you are still in high school, you’ll need to decide with your school team if you are
- Graduating and exiting school
- Doing a social graduation and remaining at school for more transition-based services, or
- Not doing the social graduation and just continuing Individualized Education Program (IEP) programming.
If you feel that you could still benefit from services at school, you must demonstrate that you have not met all IEP goals and could benefit from more educational or vocational training. While you are still in high school, Age Appropriate Transition Assessments (AATAs) should be occurring to help determine needed services to achieve desired goals as an adult.
At least one year before graduation, you should invite to your IEP meeting representatives of any adult services you will receive. This includes your Service and Support Administrator (SSA), which is the name for your case worker with your state or county board of developmental disabilities services.
Be aware that you must leave high school by age 22. It can be the exact date of birthday or shortly before or after based on the school’s choice.
Determine with your school’s IEP team what public transportation options you qualify for. You can start travel training with most public transportation systems and get a disability fare card. For more impacted people, most public transportation in cities offer alternative, more accessible transport from home if you have severe disabilities that prevent you from using regular public transportation. If appropriate you can work towards getting your driver’s license and use specific disability agencies to help you. The Milestones free autism Helpdesk is here to support you.
If Heading to College or Technical School
If you will be continuing education at a technical school, community college or university, learn what the school or college’s environment is like and how it is different and the same as high school. Your parents and the potential school’s admissions office can help along with trying to connect with current students at the school you’re interested in through social media or visiting the campus. Find out what the application process and deadlines are and what type of accommodations they offer. Most community colleges and universities have a disabilities office, but the level of assistance and services they offer varies from school to school.
The Milestones Postsecondary/College Tool Kit provides detailed information, strategies and questions to think about whether you are ready and planning for the transition. This education article in the Milestones Autism Planning (MAP) Tool provides more information as well.
Employment and Preparation
If you have not started yet, this is a good time to register with your state’s agency that helps people with disabilities start developing skills to find competitive work. In Ohio that agency is Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). The Rehabilitation Services Administration provides this gateway to various state agencies focused on employment.
This is the time to finalize any type of job training and education you will need beyond high school to get the kinds of jobs you are interested in based on your skills and abilities. Everyone’s situation is unique. This could be an on the job training program, internship, a trade school, community college or university. Ask about the kinds of job accommodations such as having a job coach that might help you be successful. The Job Accommodation Network provides information about different potential accommodations. The employment section of the MAP Tool has further information.
A Note to Parents
Part of parenting your young adult is gradually letting go and encouraging their independence. It’s important to respect boundaries, encourage their decision making and choices. It can be difficult but letting your young adult make mistakes helps them. They need to work through how to handle a situation and experience what happens next.
Letting go relates to self-determination which is an idea that includes people choosing and setting their own goals, being involved in making life decisions, self-advocating, and working to reach their goals. Making your own decision includes when I’m in a situation how would I fix it and do I want to fix it.
Young adults need to develop their confidence, competence and self-advocacy skills to reach their full potential and live in the appropriate housing setting for their needs. Whether your loved one is going to college or a day program, an internship or training program, independent living skills is what cuts across all.
Milestones has developed this Adult Independent Living Skills checklist across main functioning areas from hygiene to safety at home and in the community. Check out the details and a handy downloadable checklist here to help build these skills.
The Milestones Helpdesk or Individual and Family Consultations can assist you in finding resources and making a plan to help your young adult develop the skills they need.
Additional Resources
Transition to Adulthood Guidelines from Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI)
A Guide for Transition to Adulthood from Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
If You Do Not Have a Diagnosis Yet
If you do not have a diagnosis yet, an important step in ensuring your best education is getting a diagnosis as soon as possible.
For older teens or adults seeking an assessment and diagnosis, contact a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist. You may need a referral to see a neurologist depending on your health insurance. You may or may not need a referral to see a psychologist or psychiatrist as this is part of a different category of care called “behavioral health.”
It’s important to understand what is covered by your health insurance and whether a doctor is in network or out of network which affects what you pay. Private pay (which means paying the cost yourself without insurance covering any of it) may also be an option but can be costly.
Trust your instincts. If you are not satisfied with your doctor’s assessment you have the right to get a second opinion from another medical specialist.
The Milestones Helpdesk can provide more information about the type of professional to consult depending on what your goal of diagnosis is - for self knowledge vs to access services or benefits or to get accommodations at work.