Managing the Transition Process From High School to College and Beyond: Challenges for Individuals, Families, and Society

Transition to adulthood represents a significant challenge for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. With the increase in diagnosis and appropriate treatment at younger ages, more adolescents on the spectrum have the potential for independent adult lives, including work and college. Yet our support systems have been slow to respond to the needs of individuals with typical dreams and aspirations but atypical development. This article addresses the challenges of the transition to adulthood from multiple perspectives and provides a framework for individuals, families, and supporting professionals to anticipate challenges and develop positive solutions.