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Feeling Stuck? Ideas for Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Last updated on Jun 9, 2020 in CAR Autism Roadmap™
You may be 18 years old, 21, or even older than that! You have completed required school. You may be in college, in technical school, working, happily employed, under-employed, or not employed. You have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); maybe you have had it since childhood, maybe it is a newer diagnosis. You may have applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medical Assistance (MA, also known as Medicaid), as appropriate. So what else can you do to be sure you have are receiving the all the support that is available to you?
- Certainly consider applying for any of the waivers in your state that you may be eligible for. Waivers are Medicaid Programs that offer opportunities to those who meet criteria beyond what MA typically supports. Some apply only to those on the autism spectrum, other waivers have different specifications
- Investigate vocational programs. These programs may help you to refine your interests, develop skills, or even find a job. The rules and the names of these adult vocational programs vary from state to state. Find out if your state has some specialized programs for autistic individuals.
- If you already have a job, but things aren't as good as you had hoped, you may wonder if disclosing your diagnosis will help to promote better understanding. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on disability, but only you can decide if disclosure is a good idea for you. One benefit of disclosure is that workplace accommodations are only available if you tell your employer about your diagnosis and how it affects you at work.
- If you are considering furthering your education, you may have concerns about whether to disclose your diagnosis and what, if any, accommodations, you may be entitled to at school. There are no easy answers to these questions, but being informed of your rights and some of the issues involved may help you decide what is best for you.
- An issue that is very closely related to disclosure is self-advocacy. There is a strong, vocal advocacy community for autistic adults that promotes political and social policies and also serves as a strong social network for its members.
- What about your social life? Are you involved in any social group? Would you like to go on outings, such as to the movies, bowling, and concerts, or simply “hang out” with someone, either as a friend or perhaps even a girlfriend or boyfriend? There are adult groups that meet to talk or to do specific activities.
- If you are in need of emotional support, you might consider looking for a therapist who has the experience and perspective to support autistic individuals. A therapist can help you work through issues at work or in your home or social life.
- Deciding where to live can be difficult for some autistic individuals. Though not always easy to secure, there are other options besides living at home with your parents and living totally on your own.
The Center for Autism Research and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia do not endorse or recommend any specific person or organization or form of treatment. The information included within the CAR Autism Roadmap™ and CAR Resource Directory™ should not be considered medical advice and should serve only as a guide to resources publicly and privately available. Choosing a treatment, course of action, and/or a resource is a personal decision, which should take into account each individual's and family's particular circumstances.