Description:
We frequently refer to the transition to adulthood as “falling off the cliff”: across supports, services, and community connections. This presentation will focus on tools you can implement at any stage to help you build bridges across the cliff at home, in the community, and support at school/work. We will cover a variety of tools you can pick and choose from to create your own toolbox.
Learning Objectives:
By end of the program, participants will be able to:
1. Outline at least two common needs for individuals and families around the transition to adulthood.
2. Explore a range of structured tools and how they match various needs for individuals and families.
3. Select and apply at least two tools for individualized transition planning based on your own self-assessed needs.
Trainer:
Tara Regan, PhD, MSW, LCSWA is the Executive Director of the Autism Grown Up Resource Center, an online non-profit organization. She is a sibling to 2 Autistic brothers: Tyler (34) and Tanner (26). She is an interdisciplinary professional drawing from her work in social work, special education, community-based services, and research on person-centered teams supporting Autistic people as they grow up. At Autism Grown Up, she and her team create digital downloadable resources for Autistic people and their support networks across the lifespan.
References:
- Mazzotti, V. L., Rowe, D. A., Kwiatek, S., Voggt, A., Chang, W. H., Fowler, C. H., … & Test, D. W. (2021). Secondary transition predictors of postschool success: An update to the research base. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 44(1), 47-64
- Pagán, A. F., & Loveland, K. A. (2025). Launching! to Adulthood: An updated group therapy program for young adults with neurodevelopmental differences transitioning to adulthood. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 9(1), 115-129.
- Steinberg, H., Garfield, T., Roux, A., Shea, L., & Shattuck, P. (2024). Same transition, different perspectives: comparing dyadic interviews with autistic young adults and parents. Autism in adulthood, 6(2), 152-161.