Forging a new path in adulthood
Welcome!
I am Nicole and this is Terence, a young adult on the autism spectrum. Along with big sis Destiny, we are forging a new path into the world of adulthood, employment—or lack thereof—and independence.
What a wild ride!
Aging out of the school system is like opening a door only to find yourself at the edge of a cliff.
We had battled through tantrums, long IEP sessions, contentious meeting with teachers, therapies, social issues and job training to finally cross the stage at graduation then get sacked at the one-yard line.
“No easy path”
That’s how it felt when I discovered that opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum who want to work are sparse. One study showed that 66% of young adults on the spectrum are unemployed and not enrolled in college two years after graduation.
How can this be? Why didn’t anyone tell us?
Further, how do other families handle this post-school change and life in adulthood?
That’s led me on a quest to find answers and then share them with you.
Through my blog posts and podcasts, I share insights from employers, experts, and families who are living this scenario every day.
The hope is to forge a path ahead to a fulfilled life for my son and the millions of other young adults on the spectrum who want to work and have independence.
