The Autism College Connection

Autistic People Never Stop Growing

I discovered Temple Grandin about twenty years ago, when my son was first diagnosed with autism. Back then, we had few trusted sources to tell us why our kids had trouble talking or hated loud noises. Grandin, the animal behaviorist and autism author, was the first person who explained to me how my son’s brain worked. It wasn’t broken; it was different, she said.

In one of her books, she notes that she has continued to become more socially adept in her adult years, even in her 40s and 50s. She says that the autistic brain continues to build new connections over time if a person stays active.

“It is never too late to expand the mind of a person on the autism spectrum,” Grandin writes.

Grandin is a useful check on those who believe that growth in autistic children can only occur when they are very young. They believe that if parents miss that window of opportunity, then there is little chance for improvement. I’ve never bought that “Early or Nothing” mindset.

I’ve seen continued growth in my own son and his friends, who are all in their 20s. My son absolutely crushed his college classes last semester. Just last month, he organized a bowling trip with friends, which was a big social stride for him. During the outing, he and the other guys made an effort to put down their phones and tell each other about school or vacations. Their skills were noticeably better than when we last got together during winter break.

And why wouldn’t they stop growing? I am still growing and learning new skills, so it makes sense that neurodivergent people are, too.

Broader research studies have confirmed Grandin’s observations — and mine — that autism growth isn’t solely for young children. Growth happens even in the adult years if the individual is given the right support and opportunities.

Five Recommendations for Adult Growth:

Choose adult programs that teach real skills and include the opportunity to socialize with typical peers. If the young person can handle college, I think the classroom and the dorm are the best therapy in the world.
Get them away from their computers and out of their bedrooms.
Don’t give up on therapy. Find ABA companies and speech therapists who continue to work with adults. Try a new therapist to avoid the therapy rut.
On weekends, do family activities outside the home. Take hikes and boat trips. Visit the mall and the museum. Attend town events and extended family parties. Touch dirt. All those experiences build brain cells and make new connections.
Expect high standards from everyone around you. Your child deserves smart therapists and teachers who believe in your child’s potential.
Create a growth plan, ie “If he reaches X goal, then he will do Y.” Don’t be caught off guard when they achieve great things.