The Autism College Connection

Your child could be eligible for financial support from the state and federal government. If eligible, those funds can be used for education, therapy, recreation, day programs, doctor’s appointments, and more. Other funds might go to the parents to coordinate the care of their young adults. 

Getting through the process is a massive endeavor. It took me nearly three years to finish all the paperwork for my son, but it was worth it. Those funds and services were very helpful, once he left public education. The best way to handle any big job is to chunk it. So, let’s chunk the transition work into yearly chores. 

Freshman Year of High School — Ask for school evaluations. Makes sure that your transition goals for your child match up with educational outcomes. Think about a Plan A and a Plan B. 

Sophomore and Junior Year of High School — Take care of legal chores (Will, Special Needs Trust, Guardianship). Make sure that there is no money in a bank account under your child’s name. Re-assess long term goals on the transition program. Get evaluations from medical professionals that focus on deficits and obstacles to employment. Do not accept any paid employment. 

Senior Year of High School — If 18, start the SSI application. Tour college programs and/or transition programs. Study for the Accuplacer or SATs, if necessary. Have the school do evaluations, especially if planning on attending college next fall. Do not accept any paid employment. 

Ages 19 – 21— After entry into SSI, then chose an insurance company for Medicaid. Work on application for the state support system. In New Jersey, this is called DDD. Apply for DVRS for help with part time employment or support for education/training. Learn about other support systems, like PPP and SNAP. Let the student thrive in a transition program or a college program. 

Ages 21 – 30 — Continue to build independence in college or other programs. Establish a fulfilling, independent life within a community. Become eligible for housing programs. Establish regular employment and recreation. Learn about ABLE programs. Arrange parental finances properly to ensure maximum support for adult children. 

All young adults must learn these skills and jump over these hurdles — that’s just life — but our kids might take a little longer to reach the end goals. And that’s okay! Also,  parents have to take some extra steps to ensure that our young adults are protected and supported in the future. And that’s okay, too. We can do it!