THOUGHTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR THE SUMMER

High school students have many options to consider for their summer breaks.  Some students will travel, take classes, work, volunteer, or just relax and enjoy the free time.  Students on the autism spectrum often have to spend more time than other teens learning independent living skills.  Often I hear parents say that their teen will eventually learn the skills necessary for independence, and therefore don’t emphasize them at home.  Some families want to work on these skills with their teen but are uncertain how to approach it.  The transition from high school to college or other post-high school experience can be a challenge to most students.  The more prepared a student is for the transition the better.  It might be helpful, therefore, for students to find time over the summer to build their independent living skills.

There are numerous summer programs that work with teens in building their independent living skills.  These programs can be helpful as the teen is with similar teens working on the same issues.  They also get to practice living away from home for a few weeks.  It is also possible to work on these skills at home.  Parents and teens can create a list of areas they feel they should address.  Other families will use a job coach who can work with the student on independent living skills at home as well as work with the teen in obtaining a job in their community.  Here is a resource that outlines the areas that many teens can benefit from addressing as they work towards being as prepared as possible for the transition at the end of high school. https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/docs/ttk2_independent_living.pdf

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