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Transitioning to Adulthood with ASD: What Parents and Guardians Need to Know

Description

Transition to Adulthood with ASD: What Parents and Guardians Need to Know is a six-hour workshop designed to provide an overview of important factors and topics to consider as individuals with ASD enter the adult world. Topics include age of majority, disability benefits and planning, post secondary readiness, education, and training, employment, housing and residential supports, and life in the community.

Focus will be placed on parents/guardians understanding eligibility vs. entitlement in the adult service system, planning to protect benefits, agencies and organizations that provide supports to adults with ASD, and the variety of options to consider in planning.

Information included in the presentation was obtained from a variety of sources including journal articles, books, conferences, and the experience of those charged with creating this workshop. Every attempt was made to ensure the accuracy and impartiality of the information included in this guide. It is not our intention to support the importance or efficacy of any particular approach.

Intended Audience

Participants in this workshop should have a basic understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders.  The information is appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about the factors to consider as the individual with ASD transition to the adulthood. This workshop is appropriate for the following audience:

  • Parents/family members of individuals with ASDs
  • School administrators 
  • General and special educators
  • Community service providers
  • Adult service providers

Layout of the Training

This training will require 6 hours of instruction. The number of participants should be limited to 50. Training may take place at tables or   

Presenters

Presenters must be knowledgeable of the topics in the training including age of majority, disability benefits and planning (including SSI/SSDI and Mediciad Waivers) , post secondary readiness, education, and training, employment, housing and residential supports, and life in the community. 

Training Schedule

There are 7 sections to this workshop: (a) an Opening, (b) Age of Majority, (c) Disability Benefits and Planning, and (d) Postsecondary Readiness, Education, and Training, (e) Employment, (f) Housing and Residential Supports, and  (g) Life in the Community . It may all be presented in two 3 hour sessions or three 2 hour sessions.

Given individual presenter’s styles, audience participation, and other factors that may interfere with workshop timing, the times listed are approximate. Below is the schedule recommended:

  1. The Opening and Age of Majority: .5 hour
  2. Disability Benefits and Planning: 1. 5 hours
  3. Postsecondary Readiness, Education, and Training: .5 hour
  4. Employment: 1.5 hours
  5. Housing and Residential Supports: 1 hour
  6. Life in the Community: 1 hour 

Materials Required

Trainers’ script and the PowerPoint presentation are available from the T/TAC library at VCU. If interested in presenting, a DVD can be sent to you. Additionally, a training kit which includes materials needed for the training is available. Keep in mind that you will need to make arrangements to get the materials by calling 804.827.1414 at least two weeks in advance of the training. 


Keep in mind that you will need to make arrangements to get the materials by calling 804.827.1414 at least two weeks in advance of the training or submitting a VAC Training Request form.