TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD: Clinical Considerations and Resources for those on the Autism Spectrum

1
TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD Clinica
l Considerations and Resources for
those on the Autism Spectrum

• A presentation for PCCYCS Annual Spring
  Conference
• Dawn M. Hoffman, MS, Licensed Psychologist
• Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities

2
Introductions
3
Learning Objectives

• Describe the needs of the adolescent with Autism
  Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as they transition to
  adulthood
• Identify the service needs of young adults with
  ASD
• Review services available in the community for
  those with ASD

4
Autism Spectrum Disorders

• A short list of demographics

5
Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Criteria
• --Qualitative impairment in communication
• --Qualitative impairment in social interactions
• --Restrictive, repetitive and stereotyped
  patterns of behavior, interests and activities

6
Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Childhood Disintegration Disorder
• Rhetts Disorder
• Aspergers Disorder
• Autistic Disorder
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS

7
Behaviors/ conditions frequently associated with
ASD

• Eating
• Sleeping
• Anxiety
• Sensory sensitivities
• Demands for routine, order, predictability

8
Transition

• A definition as it relates to ASD

9
The challenge of transitioning

• Communication
• Change
• Available services
• Structure
• Funding

10
Clinical considerations

• Anxiety
• Mood Disorders
• Attention difficulties
• Sleep problems
• Behavior difficulties

11
Service needs of students with ASD

• Individualize
• Plan
• Start early
• Adaptive skills
• Emotional health
• Physical health
• Support
• Support for families

12
Characteristics of a transitional plan

• Positive behavior supports
• Vision of the future
• Inclusive experiences
• Variety of experiences
• Coordination

13
Identify Goals

• Vocational
• Residential
• Social
• Identify needs of the student to reach the goal
  i.e. going to college

14
Service needs of young adults

• Identify short and long term goals
• Scaffolding
• Needs assessment
• Individualize
• Broad range of skills
• Identification and expression of emotions
• Nonverbal communication

15

• Problem solving
• Anxiety management
• Social skills
• Opportunities for socialization
• Self-monitoring
• Behavior plan if needed
• Conversation skills

16

• Managing impulses
• Transitional training/managing change
• Stress management
• Identifying personal interests
• Using strengths to support
• Family issues
• Sexuality and dating

17

• Addressing sensory challenges
• Driving/transportation
• Perspective taking

18
Resources

• Occupational therapy/sensory integration
• Speech therapy
• Social Work
• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists/physicians
• Teacher (school age)
• Behavior consultants
• Agencies

19

• Resource Center
• Support Groups
• Social skills groups
• Autism Bureau, Adult Autism Waiver
• Recreational facilities

20
Learning Objectives in review

• Learning Objectives
• --Describe the needs of the adolescent with ASD
  as they transition to adulthood
• --Identify the service needs of young adults with
  ASD
• --Review services available in the community for
  those with ASD

21

• Thank you