SUCCESS STRATEGIES FOR YOUNG ADULTS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUMMichelle Rigler & Amy Rutherford

Independence, Social, and Study Strategies for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The BASICS College Curriculum

Book Title

TRANSITION SUPPORT

Academic Campus Resources Personal Wellness Academic/Professional Communication Campus Social Life Relationships

College Academics

Daily structure Routine Frequent Reminders

Many grade opportunities

Home support presence

Independently designed schedules

Fewer grades Exams Papers

Demands autonomy Organization & time

management

High School Academics College Academics

Chapter 1

Independent life skills Medical needs Healthy eating/Food Diary Cleanliness Self-Advocacy

Roommate agreements Accommodation Request Scripts

Understanding ASD Impact Triad Theory of Mind Central Coherence Theory Executive Functioning

Chapter 1 Example

Chapter 2: Organization in Academics

Planning systems Semester Monthly Weekly Daily

Managing time and assignments Setting Goals

Chapter 2 Example

Weekly Planning Activity (Boards)

Chapter 3: Communication in Academics

Understanding the components of the syllabus Monitoring progress Communicating with professors

Body language (Intention vs. Interpretations) Professor scripts Appropriate emails

Chapter 3 Example

The Art of Email

Chapter 4: Organization in Life

Medical Health Recognizing the difference when students don’t take

their medication as prescribed Daily Needs

Daily needs, Class needs, other needs Who to contact if you lose something

Self-Care “24 Hour” Plan Know your Resources

Photo scavenger hunt

Chapter 4 Example

Medication spiral

Other Resources

Important to know campus and community resources

FAFSA Vocational Rehabilitation

Chapter 5: Communication in Personal Life

Active communication Body language Facial cues Observing reactions

Sharing the conversation Small talk Joining/ending conversations

No-Go topics of conversation Intention vs. Perception Special interest topics could create fear

Personal space and tone of voice

Chapter 5 Example

Chapter 6: Stress Management

Symptoms of stress Identifying hot spots Controlling emotional responses

Meltdowns Coping strategies

Stress management plan Stress Reducers

Know campus resources

Chapter 6 Example

Chapter 7: Personal Responsibility in Academics

Attendance Class assignment tracking (flexibility in deadlines) Group work

The players Lead Taskmaster Researcher Writer Speaker

Study habits Major/Work/Career

Career Exploration

Chapter 7 Example

Assignment tracker Apps

Erudio Trello

Chapter 8: Campus Social Life

Campus social structure Major focused Leadership Social Service Interests

Marketability College experience pathway Balancing it all

Chapter 8 Example

Balancing it All

Academic Personal

I have to study for a history exam that is scheduled for Wednesday

I really want to go for a hike and spend some time outside

Chapter 9: Relationships

Defining relationship levels Relationship progression pathway Relationship level flow chart Sexuality and gender identity Non-Optional social compliance

Code of conduct Threatening Stalking Harassment

Chapter 9 Example

Chapter 9 Example

Back to BASICS

Ending of each chapter Encourages self-

reflection Encourages self-

evaluation Behavior, Academics,

Self-Care, Interactions, Community, Self-Monitoring

Next steps?

Questions…