The University of Toledo Center for Excellence in Autism

Grand Opening Ceremonies!June 9-10, 2011

Successful Transition to Adulthood

From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes

• Meant to be a bridge to guide students successfully from the safety and guidance of the school system to the uncertainty and independence of adulthood.

• Often seen as a systemic requirement that must be satisfied whether or not appropriate resources are available.

• Not well defined or researched sufficiently in order to produce outcomes that are valid or relevant to all stakeholders in the process.

• Not begun anywhere near early enough in the lives of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

The Process of Transition is..

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According to theAutism Society of America…

Today there are 1.5 million people with

Autism

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In the next decade there will be approximately

4million!

From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes

Lifetime Costs to Society

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The Impact of HealthcareIssues on Families

• Less access to many important aspects of healthcare but more reported problems.

• Disparities in access by race, education and geographical location.

• More than half of parents of children with ASD reduce or stop working to care for their children.

• Families without a medical home scored higher on every risk indicator in this study.

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• A number of studies have documented a wide range of findings for those living at home or living independently . As much as 80% of students with ASD were found to be living at home and the majority of those living independently still require financial support.

Living Arrangements

6From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes

• IQ only slightly improves chances of successful employment.

• Adults with ASD– experience unemployment or underemployment,– switch jobs more frequently– make less than counterparts and;– much less likely to be employed than typically

developing.

• Some attend college instead of work but very few receive degrees.

Work

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• Leisure pursuits are rarely community-based for adolescents with ASD.

• Almost half of students with ASD report having no friends.

• Adolescents with ASD report WANTING friendships and intimate relationships but may not have the skills to cultivate or maintain them.

Community

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The advent of the adult advocacy community

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Integrated Self-Advocacy CurriculumThe University of Toledo Center for Excellence in Autism

employs 1 of 3 certified ISA Trainers in the country!

For more information contact Valerie Paradiz at val@autismselfadvocacy.com

From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes

Integrated Self-Advocacy Curriculum

• Pro-active rather than Re-active• Teaches Autonomy rather than Dependence• Implemented in a group and/or one-to-one• Meaningful and Relevant interventions• Person Centered• Evidence-based

From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes

Self Advocacy

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Accurate assessment

of the circumstances

FunctionalSelf-Regulation/

Monitoring Skills + =The ability to

select and implement a reasonable

solution that will meet our needs and allow us to

successfully

Self-Advocate

From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes

Three steps to Self-Advocacy

1. Scan for possible challenges in his/her social and sensory environments.

2. Develop a plan to explain accommodations or needs to resolve the challenge.

3. Implement individualized self-advocacy plan.

(Paradiz, 2009)

From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes

Additional Competencies

– Entitlements and Civil Rights– Understanding of IEP– Self-disclosure• Partial• Full

– Self-awareness of strengths – Self-awareness of discomforts and tendencies

From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes

Self-Advocacy Portfolio

– My Advocacy Scripts

– My Advocacy Action Plans

– My Individualized Education Program (IEP)

– Notes for My Transition Plan or My Individual Service Plan (ISP)

– My Favorite Advocacy Resources, Support People, and Mentors

– My Articles, Commentaries, and Reflections on Topics in Self-Advocacy

Individualized tools and strategies for becoming more independent and effective in day-to-day interactions with environments and people

From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes

For More Information:

The University of ToledoCenter for Excellence in Autism

3000 Arlington Avenue, MS 1161Toledo Ohio 43614

419-383-3030autisminfo@utoledo.edu

From Relevant Interventions to Meaningful Outcomes