Transitioning to Adulthood: Help for Older Teens with Aspergers and HFA
The greatest challenge you will face as a mother or father of an Aspergers or high functioning autistic (HFA) child is supporting him or her through the transition to adulthood. As protective (or over-protective) as you may be, at some point you will be ready for your teenager to leave home to venture out on his own into the adult world. Of course your relationship with your adult child will continue long after he or she leaves the nest, and your loving support can help with “grown-up” responsibilities. Is your 18 or 19-year-old teenager ready for adulthood? Answer yes or no to the following questions: Can your adolescent drive? Can your adolescent make meals and snacks for himself? Do you get frustrated with your adolescent's inability to complete projects? Do you give your adolescent opportunities to make his own decisions? Do you give your adolescent positive feedback? Do you listen to your adolescent's problems, make suggestions and then allow him to choose