- Having the young adult use technology to assist with independence. For example, a tablet or cell phone can be used to record ‘to do’ lists, set timers /alarms, and manage day-to-day appointments. All of us may benefit from using this technology.
- Engaging the young adult in household chores independently:
- Track accountability with household chores by developing a ‘job-like’ solution to track house duties such as using a time sheet.
- Create a specialized cleaning kit for the young adult’s room that is easily accessible to them.
- Creating living spaces that afford the young adult privacy:
- Designate amenities (e.g., a reserved cabinet in the kitchen or a mini fridge) for the young adult. Or create a ‘dorm’ like space that offers greater autonomy within the home.
- Designate an area for relaxation.
- Encouraging the young adult to have more interaction with a broader support network. Broader support networks decrease dependency on a single or a few select people and help broaden experiences and perspectives. Engage family and friends.
- Fostering the young adult’s active involvement in making healthy lifestyle choices related to friends, physical activity, food, and alcohol/drug and tobacco use.
Sal and Jenny: Moving Forward
As agreed, Sal (with Jenny’s support) found a job that he is pretty interested in applying for. Sal still does not know what his long-term goals are. So for now, he is gaining some work or volunteer experience. Sal and Jenny are also continuing to explore adult services, and Sal is committed to further developing his independence. He has used his personal booklet to meet with his new doctor which helped Sal establish a relationship with the doctor. Sal and Jenny may not know exactly what the future holds, but they are taking things one step at a time, and are considering each step and what is best for Sal.
References
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- Easter Seals Living with a Disability Retrieved from: https://www.easterseals.com/explore-resources/living-with-disability/disabilities-study.html
- National Educational Association of Disabled Students (2019). Accessibility and universal design in career transitions programming and services: Final report.
- Steinbeck, K., Brodie, L. & Towns, S. (2008). Transition in chronic illness: Who is going where? Journal of Pediatric Child Health, 44 (9),478-482.
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- Landmark, L. J. & Zhang, D. (2006). Parent practices in facilitating self-determination skills: The influence of culture, socioeconomic status, and children’s special education status. TASH Connections, 32(5/6), 4.
- Transition from children’s to adults’ services for young people using health or social care service. February 2016. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng43. Accessed on March 3, 2020.
- Autism Healthcare Accommodations Tool Retrieved from: https://www.autismandhealth.org/?p=ahat&theme=ltlc&size=small. Accessed March 11, 2020.