Transition and Adult Services for Youth on the Autism Spectrum

Cathy Pratt, Ph.D.Indiana Resource Center for

AutismChair, Autism Society of

Americaprattc@indiana.edu

www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca

Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder to signify similarities among a group of

individuals who share a common diagnosis, but who differ in how

core characteristics are manifested, and in the number

and severity of specific characteristics.

Spectrum Disorder

• Because of broad variability in: • Measured Cognitive Ability• Social-Emotional Development• Communication Ability• Motor Skills: Both Fine and Gross• Sensory Processing

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)

• Autism• Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Not Otherwise Specified• Asperger’s Syndrome• Rett’s Syndrome• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder • Articulated in Diagnostic and

Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition-Text Revised.

Autism spectrum disorders are neurological disorders. They are not mental illnesses and do

not signal a willful refusal to “act normal.” These

are serious and pervasive disabilities.

In addition to the spectrum of autism, the

need for services is further enhanced by the increasing incidence, the

complexity of the disability, and the poor

post-school outcome data.

Once thought to be a rare disability with an

incidence rate of 1 in 5000, the incidence of

autism is now projected by the Center for Disease Control to be 1 in 150. In Indiana, according to our

Child Count Data the incidence is 1 in 113.

Dual Diagnosis• Cognitive Disability/Mental Retardation• Learning Disability• ADHD• Obsessive-Compulsive• Anxiety Disorders• Tourette’s Syndrome• Fragile X• Down Syndrome• Cerebral Palsy• Visual Impairments• Hearing Impairments• Epilepsy

Employment & ASD

• An IRCA survey showed that 61% of individuals (over age 18) represented in the survey were unemployed, 14% work in sheltered workshops, and 25% work in community jobs. Those who are currently employed work an average of 21 hours per week and have a median annual income of $6, 516.

Transition Planning• One solution to the bleak outcome for

individuals has been transition planning.

• Important to help families understand the importance of planning early.

• Importance of connecting adult services to schools. Families are concerned with how services are in silos.

Major Challenges for Individuals with ASD

• Sensory Problems• Theory of Mind: Difficulty

Understanding Other’s Perspective• Executive Functioning Challenges:

Difficulty Juggling Multiple Tasks• Anxiety• Depression/Other Emotional

Problems/Meltdowns• Difficulty with Social Skills and

Developing Friendships/Difficulty in Carrying on Conversations

Major Challenges for Individuals with ASD

• Personnel Management/Hygiene Issues

• Receptive/Expressive Communication Delays

• Obsessions with Rituals or Restricted Behavioral Patterns

• Rigidity• Need for Routine• Difficulties with Transitions• Perfectionism• Visual Learners

Challenges

• These are not individuals who will interview well.

• Often times creating a portfolio or resume of work will be more effective.

There is no autism job!

Need to Assess the Individual

• Strengths & Challenges• Reaction to Situations & Environments• How Individual Learns• What Triggers Anxiety, Frustrations,

Anger• Self Awareness and Awareness of Others• Level of Independence and Productivity• Ability to Follow Directions • Ability to Understand and Convey

Information

Need to assess the demands of the work environment and the

options in the community.

Supports in the Workplace

• Sensory Supports• Visual Supports• Social Supports

Family Challenges

• Letting Go• Trust• Unrealistic Expectations• Reasonable Risk

Consider long term supports for the

individual. Some may require ongoing job

coaching.

Realities• Individuals will have varying strengths and

support needs. No one size will fit all.• Some will come with complex conditions that

cut across DD and mental health. Those with significant behaviors will have an incredible cost associated with their supports.

• Families are organized and educated, and will be looking for non-traditional solutions.

• Often times these individuals do best in less restrictive living and work situations, regardless of their disability.

With the appropriate supports and attitudes, individuals all along the

spectrum can be competent and successful

employees.