When Autism Grows Up STRONG

Today's episode is all about the 7 pitfalls to avoid that undermine independence. I love talking about these mistakes because I've made them all. Thank goodness my graduates forgive me. I'm ready to share my hard-earned wisdom as it might help you avoid making similar mistakes in the future. Here are the seven biggest mistakes that could undermine your autistic graduate's quest for independence. I...

Susannah Cole holds a MEd in developmental psychology and has grown her expertise throughout the past 25 years working in the field of education. She has taught at all levels from preschool through college. For decades, she worked in educational settings as an early childhood educator, integrated middle school teacher, a specialized autism therapis t, learning support teacher and college professor...

Tom Welch is a psychologist and co-owner of a middle and high school dedicated to the growth of autistic and 2e students, Tom knows a lot about what works to help our young adults increase independence. "Success both during and after high school requires the development of initiative, motivation, determination and resilience. The fundamentals of these skills will not develop within a vacuum. Inste...

Were you told that welfare makes people lazy? I was. It was part of the thinking that I was raised with. Today I've changed that thinking. I used to be reluctant to apply for benefits for my kids. And I almost missed a window of opportunity to get them the support that they need to support their independence. Now I believe that the welfare programs, the ones that were created by wise people b...

1. What parents need to know about Executive Function 2. What change actually looks like versus what parents expect it to be 3. How to get buy-in even when your child is resistant 4. Why parents must tolerate chaos to achieve transformation 5. How to confidently navigate through obstacles that keep most parents stuck 6. How to know you're on the right track even if things seem to be getting worse...

After all these years loving my autistic graduates, I found it so helpful to read a book by someone who gets it. Not only does Barbara get it, she also explains what's happening so well. Her words just ring true. Her explanations make sense. Her suggestions are doable. She's helped autistic people and their families for over 30 years. She says, "Information can be calming. It is the uncertainty an...

Dr. Sharon Saline is a tireless advocate for alternative learners. Her education and experience as a psychologist and mom gives her insights that are spot on. Here are her 12 GREAT Ideas outlining how we encourage them to get things done. Click HERE for a PDF Summary of these 12 GREAT Ideas.  

Emily Kircher-Morris says the number one skill to encourage out autistic high school graduates to practice is self advocacy. She's a mental health counselor and author of two books including Raising Twice Exceptional Children: Handbook for Parents of Neurodivergent Gifted Kids. And a podcast host of the Neurodiversity Podcast. Here are her 12 Great ideas to help us encourage self advocacy. #1 When...

Dr. Stephen Porges believes that our reaction to our bodily sensations that inform the way our nervous system responds. He argues that the words "stress" and "anxiety" are disrespectful to our nervous system. We're not honoring what our body is trying to tell us when we name it those things. We’re in a psychological state of threat and defense. Our body is broadcasting to our conscious brain. We t...

At this year's TEFOS (The Executive Function Online Conference), Dana Abraham presented, "Navigating Adulthood." She's the author of both the "Calm The Chaos" compassionate framework and recent book. She's also and the parent, with her with her husband, Jason of two neurodiverse sons. She's amazing. I'm one of over 200,000 parents who have taken her online class where she clearly outlines for pare...

It's tough to transition from schooling to adulting. Both big and little transitions are uncomfortable. I often want to escape them by eating, screening, or daydreaming. Here are the aspects of transitioning that apply to both of us and how to minimize the discomfort, handle the stress, so that we stay on track building the life we want. Here's the link to Jody Moore's podcast episode on Transitio...

Professor Shelly Gable from UC Santa Barbara did research on what predicts a strong relationship. She studied those that last, where the ties are strong. She found that when our loved ones share a victory, a triumph and other good things, how we respond either builds or undermines our relationship. An active constructive response builds connection and enhances well being for both of us. https://li...

When we see our autistic graduates suffer, we know that compassion is the key to help them. Here's a 7:00 podcast outlining the 5 Levels of Compassion To Face Struggles Together, build their independence skills so they will flourish on their own.

At the 2023 TEFOS, Dr. Sharon Saline presented, "Connected Independence for Emerging Adults 17 - 30" outlining our role "Operating Base Camp" so they will flourish on their own. Dr. Sharon Saline presented "at TEFOS. Here's a 5:15 video outlining our role "Operating Base Camp" so they will flourish on their own. Questions? I believe my weekly Mini-MasterClass would help you, every Wednesday at 11...

The three aspects of life none of us can avoid are pain, fear and work. We struggle with all three to build the life we want. Here are the 7 Essential Adulting Habits That Increase Independence and help us outsmart our struggles. When we practice these habits each day of the week we can build the life we want. Helping our autistic graduate practice each one helps them flourish on their own. Here's...

3: Deal With Fear - We feel fear and act anyway. They describe the vibrations their thoughts tell their body to create. - We choose the thoughts that produce emotions that inspire our actions. They share their thoughts and choose ones that work best for them, as adults. - We partner to create collaborative solutions with them. They take action, paying attention to how they respond to 'mis-takes. '...

2: Structure Time Wisely - We picture our future self and imagine how they think, feel and act. They imagine their dream life. - We create routines that cue actions today that our future self would take. They figure out what works and doesn't work for them. - We decide in advance what our evening, morning and daytime routines contain. They notice they make progress when they practice habits they d...

1 Make Adult Decisions - We encourage, warn and collaborate to create trust. They notice the thoughts, emotions and actions that create their results. - We validate their emotions and thoughts. They practice accepting their NOW mindset. - We question our beliefs driving our responses. They decondition triggers and create their NEXT mindset. We use these tools to cultivate responsive self-direction...