I
n the US, public schools are required to
address life after secondary school through
a process called “transition planning.” The
intent of transition planning is to ensure success after high school graduation. Educators
are supposed to work with the student and
the parents to devise a plan for life after high
school. However, there’s bad news. Transition
planning has been in place for over 20 years,
but the employment rates for autistic adults
have not improved. Although many people on
the spectrum are extremely
capable of collegiate level
work (which would increase
their employment prospects), the social demands
of the college environment
can be overwhelming. This
is one of the main reasons
the college dropout rate is so
high for autistic adults.
be different. Is there a relative who works at the
university? Is a long-term friend who understands your child’s needs attending the same
school? Will they room together? The answers to
these ques