Zoom Autism Magazine ZOOM Autism Issue 5 | Page 38

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