Transition to Adulthood
Transitioning out of high school and into adulthood doesn’t have to be scary! Let us help guide you!
* This listing should not be considered an endorsement or recommendation either by the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix or its Board of Directors. It is merely a collection of individuals/entities/resources that have been deemed helpful or recommended by consumers. Please notify us if any information needs to be updated.
Post-Secondary Transition Planning
Planning for transitions and life after high school is imperative. This is the process that prepares students for adult life after they leave high school. Transition is the bridge between school programming and adult life that might include higher education, employment, independent living, and participation in adult life in the community.
Transition services are mandated under IDEA for children with disabilities ages 16 and up. An Individualized Transition Plan (ITP) is developed for each student. The ITP identifies the desired and expected outcomes for each student and their families once they leave school as well as the support needed to achieve these outcomes.
The Center on Secondary Education for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Center on Secondary Education for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (CSESA) is a research and development project funded by the U.S. Department of Education that focuses on developing, adapting, and studying a comprehensive school and community-based education program for high school students who experience Autism.
The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) is a Technical Assistance Center co-funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).
Higher Education
Many adults with Autism pursue higher education, earning degrees in their preferred field of study. Many colleges have resources dedicated to supporting students with disabilities such as the student disability service center which may be a component of the college program or additive programs such as the College Internship Program that support students attending colleges and universities. There are also programs available that offer social, academic, career, and life skills support for students who have an intellectual disability that may co-occur with Autism and are not pursuing an academic degree. Information about this type of programming support can be found here.
The experience of attending college or university is a big transition for every student. For students with Autism it may require careful planning to ensure adequate support is in place. Unlike in high school, college and university students must disclose their need for accommodations for instructors and engage in self-advocacy to ensure appropriate accommodations.
Accessing the campus disability support center and inquiring about options for support is an excellent first step. Some of the accommodations that are commonly provided at colleges and universities include: testing accommodations, audio recording of lectures, note-taking services, assistive technologies such as speech to text software, priority class registration, and even housing modifications.
Arizona Resources
- Ability 360: A Center for Independent Living, otherwise known as a CIL, is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities to address needs and barriers within the community. Ability360 is located in Phoenix, Arizona and provides services throughout the state of Arizona.
- Area Agency on Aging: Not just for the elderly. Disabled adults 18 and over can qualify for services.
- Arizona DB101: See how you can use Disability Benefits 101 to learn more about benefits and about how work can help you live your best life.
- Arizona Rehabilitation Services: Helps individuals with disabilities achieve their goals for employment and independence.
- Arizona Self Help: Designed to quickly and accurately identify options to meet your needs in Arizona.
- ArizonaLinks.gov: Offers assistance and information on aging and disability.
- SEEDs for Autism: We provide a path from “learning to earning” for young adults with autism through education, vocational training and social development in Phoenix.
- Maricopa Community Colleges Students with Disabilities information
- NorthBridge College Success Program: Provides support, resources, and guidance to students with learning differences as they transition to, persist, and succeed in their educational and vocational endeavors.
- Nutrition Assistance
- Best Buddies: Offers One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, and Leadership Development programs for individuals with and without disabilities.
- L.O.P.E.S. Academy at the Cardon Center: A two-year, non-degree program for neurodiverse individuals at Grand Canyon University.
- Autism Life and Living: Empowering young adults with autism by providing programs that promote inclusion, independence, socialization, and well-being.
Social Security & Other Benefits
- Social Security Administration Website
- Social Security: Benefits for People with Disabilities
- Disability Benefits Guide
- Apply for Social Security
- Rent Letter Template
- Disability Benefits 101 gives you tools and information on employment, health coverage, and benefits. You can plan ahead and learn how work and benefits go together.
National Resources
- Got Transition: National resource center on health care transition.
- Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability.
- College Internship Program (CIP) is a private young adult transition program for individuals 18-26 with Autism, ADHD, and other learning differences offering comprehensive and specialized services.
- The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services has an excellent information resource on transition services.
- Beacon College: Beacon College was the first in the nation accredited to award bachelor degrees exclusively to students with learning disabilities and ADHD, and we remain committed to student success, offering academic and personal support services that help students achieve their goals. Beacon College is truly a community, welcoming, accepting, and supporting each member of it.
- College Guide for Students with Disabilities
- Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
- The Guide to Securing Life-long Accommodations for Adult Children with Special Needs
- Resource guide for students with disabilities
- Scholarship guide for students with disabilities
- Colleges that offer free laptops
- ADED – Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists Autism Fact Sheet
- National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices – This organization advocates for services and supports for people with intellectual disability and their families who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementias.
- National Council on Aging : Benefits Check Up
- First Place Global Leadership Institute: Advancing new ideas and innovative solutions for adults with Autism and/or other neurodiversities.
- Vote the Spectrum (VTS) is a multifaceted initiative to inform and engage the neurodivergent voting population.
- VoteRiders: We provide voter ID assistance so that every American can cast a ballot that counts.
- World Institute on Disability: Brings together expertise for ensuring our customers have access to world-class consulting, training and technical assistance services. Combined with our past performance and history, we are thought partners excited to help our customers.
Networks
Asperger Experts
You’ve found a place for help, advice, guidance & hope straight from the horse’s mouth. Asperger Experts is created & run by people on the autistic spectrum, so you can learn best practices & mistakes to avoid directly from those who’ve been there and lived it.
www.aspergerexperts.com
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
PO Box 66122
Washington, DC 20035
info@autisticadvocacy.org
https://autisticadvocacy.org
Autism Women’s Network, Inc
5100 Van Dorn St #6633
Lincoln, NE 68506
info@autismwomensnetwork.org
autismwomensnetwork.org
GRASP – The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership
419 Lafayette St
New York, NY 10003
www.grasp.org
US Autism & Asperger Association
P.O. Box 532
12180 S 300 E #532
Draper UT 84020-0532
information@usautism.org
www.usautism.org
Vocational Rehabilation
Arizona@Work
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program provides a variety of services to persons with disabilities, with the ultimate goal to prepare for, enter into, or retain employment.
Website: https://arizonaatwork.com/explore-services/vocational-rehabilitation
Arizona Department of Economic Security
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is Your Partner for a Stronger Arizona. We are committed to supporting Arizona communities, offering a helping hand to individuals and families in need, so everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Website: https://des.az.gov/services/employment/arizona-rehabilitation-services
Disability Rights Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Website: https://disabilityrightsaz.org/resource/frequently-asked-questions-vocational-rehabilitation-services/
