Transitions can be scary. For those on the spectrum, making the transition from living with parents to being on their own can be an intimidating process. But every successful long term goal comes with a plan of action. In this first episode of our second season, we explore what a ten year adult independence plan can look like for an young autistic adult and the roles that parents can play in this process.

Our first guest of the second season, Gail Suitor, founder of Ignite Change Makers, talks about her dedication in supporting educators, students and families in finding innovative ways to educate and support neurodiverse students and adults.

Helping our children to become independent adults can be a challenge for any parent. How we support and communicate with our child about their independence journey can make all the difference. In this episode, we look at different ways of thinking and communicating about independence and we examine a school transition plan, assessments and resources. 

Parenting an autistic child can be a challenge for any parent but how do you raise them in an environment that empowers their own capabilities? In this episode we interview Dr. Deborah Winking author of Raising Capable Kids. We discuss some of the habits parents need to set their child up for success regardless of their diagnosis.

We also interview Lori Thayer, wife of co-host Bret Thayer and her thoughts and advice on raising an autistic step-son.

The road to adult independence for our autistic children does not have to start when they are 18 years old. To make this challenging transition easier, teaching our children life skills that they will need when they are adults should begin at an early age. In this episode we explore ways in which parents and schools can help prepare those on the spectrum for living on their own.

Part of learning how to live on your own begins with being comfortable in your own space. In this episode, we talk with Erin Gaskins, Founder of Room Redefined who works with individuals, schools, and businesses to reimagine their space based on their personal goals. Erin works with many neurodiverse clients and supports them in organizing their home so they can “live their best lives”.

The transition from living with parents to having your own place comes with a lot of challenges. One area that does not get a lot of attention for those on the spectrum, is how to communicate with your neighbors, your roommate, your landlord and others in your new home. In this episode we explore the sometimes tricky and complex world of human communication for renters.

Moving out of the house can be overwhelming and scary for the autistic adult as well as for parents and caregivers. In this episode we explore different therapeutic therapies and philosophies that can help us understand the anxiety, mindsets, and mental struggles that both autistic adults and caregivers experience during this difficult transition.

Transitioning from high school to career or college can be challenging to those on the spectrum. In this episode, we interview Jen Wilger of the Temple Grandin School in Boulder, Colorado about the programs and practices the school offers to help students be successful in this important transition.

Joie Laykoff is the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning of Fusion Education Group. Mitch Carver is Head of School for Fusion Academy in Boulder, Colorado. Together, they discuss Fusion Academy’s 1:1 teacher/student ratio, their personalization of learning for each student, and the impact these have on student success.

Two of the biggest issues in moving towards adult independence are housing and transportation. This is especially difficult for those who are neurodivergent. In this episode we discuss the pros and cons of different types of housing and the transportation challenge. We also explore some innovative housing solutions, including supported independent living communities.

The Madison House Autism Foundation’s mission is to promote, model and advocate for the full inclusion of adults with autism in the life of communities everywhere. They also work to expand choices and opportunity in housing, employment and community life. In this episode, we interview Desiree Kameka Galloway, Director of the Autism Housing Network, and get her thoughts on the state of housing for the autistic community today.

Successful housing programs for neurodiverse people can be based on publicly funded initiatives. In 2002, voters in Boulder County, Colorado passed one such measure authorizing the building of housing units and supports for the intellectually disabled in their community. Our interview explores the goals and scope of this innovative program and how it aims to serve the needs of the autistic and intellectually disabled community of Boulder County.

In this episode we interview Lila Low-Beinart, a licensed therapist in Boulder County, Colorado who specializes in neurodiversity-affirming therapy for sensory neurodivergent teens and adults. With her, we explore the challenges, stigmas, and obstacles that surround the topic of adult independence for neurodivergent people.  

People on the spectrum often have challenges around instant gratification, escapism, and addiction; all of which have been compounded by our interaction with cell phones. In this episode we explore the book, Dopamine Nation, by Anna Lembke in the context of adult independence and on maintaining mental health in the era of smart phones. This is part one of our four part series focusing on autism and mental health.

In these two episodes we continue our mini series on autism and mental health by reviewing Gabor Mate’s book, In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts. While Mate looks at addiction and recovery through the lens of substance abuse, we examine what behavioral addictions and recovery could look like from an autistic person’s point of view.

In part three of our four part series on autism and mental health, we review the book Living With PTSD on the Autism Spectrum by Lisa Morgan and Mary Donahue. Lisa is an autistic adult and Mary is a licensed therapist; together they describe how prolonged exposure to social pressures and environments can actually lead to PTSD. We explore this connection and other situations that might lead to PTSD for those on the spectrum.

In our last of our four part series on autism and mental health, we review the book The Healthy Deviant by Pilar Gerasimo. Gerasimo addresses the unhealthy world we live in and offers advice on how to create a healthy and productive lifestyle. We explore how this approach can have a positive impact on one’s physical and mental health for those with autism.

Many people with autism struggle with executive functioning throughout their lives. Today we interview Brandon Slade, founder of Untapped Learning, as he describes how those with ADHD and autism can manage their executive functioning challenges. Brandon shares his firm belief that neurodiversity is a gift rather than as an obstacle to success.

As we continue to explore the connections between ADHD and autism, we interview Kara Fenton, Clinical Research Coordinator, at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. She describes her own significant struggles and strategies with living independently given her ADHD diagnosis as an adult. In our post interview reflection, we talk about the parallels between the executive functioning challenges for those with ADHD and those with autism.

Today we interview Jared Stewart and Scott Wood of Scenic View Academy. This on-campus school creates living and working environments that supports students in developing the life skills and executive functioning skills that will help them to live independently as adults.

In our second of two episodes focusing on innovative schools that support life after high school for neurodiverse students, we interview Lindsay Wagner and Amy Faraone about the League School for Autism in Walpole, Massachusetts. They explain how they prepare students for independent living by helping students build self-advocacy strategies and through their innovative community-based vocational program.

With affordability on the minds of many Americans, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act, it can be difficult to plan for health care costs when you have a disability. In our first of two episodes on accessing government assistance programs, we interview Richard Burk and Amy Woszczynski, Social Security Disability Determination Examiners for the State of Colorado. Here we explore the different aspects of accessing federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

In this episode, we continue our conversation about accessing government disability benefits. In today’s interview, we talk with Maureen Welch, founder of Navigating Disability Colorado. Together we examine the complex process of accessing Medicaid waivers.

One instinct that all parents share is the desire to keep their children safe. But what if you are the parent of a neurodiverse adolescent or young adult? How can you teach them how to be safe and have appropriate behaviors when you’re not around? What should they do if they encounter police? In today’s episode, we interview Ali Thompson, former police officer and CEO of Pulse Line Collaborative Training, an organization that trains law enforcement on how to safely manage their interactions with neurodiverse people with patience and understanding.