I’m a high school special education teacher who teaches in a substantially separate life skills classroom for students with profound autism and multiple severe disabilities. I regularly interact with the post graduate teacher (who works with students ages 18-21) and she always tells me how much tougher it is now for students and families once they turn 22. Dayhab programs don’t have enough staff to fully operate. Waitlists are extremely long for dayhab and community residential/group homes. My interactions with DDS (Department of Developmental Services) in the past to support my students’ families have always been a mess. There is so much turnover there and I felt like I talked to a new family case manager and supervisor every 6 months. I highly suggest everyone read this article which highlights the struggles families face with young adults who have profound/severe autism.

I will DM you, but I highly suggest you continue to remain a vocal advocate for your children during their IEP meetings at their school. Make sure your children are working on functional academic, life skills, and vocational goals/objectives. Are your children verbal or do either of them use a communication device? Make sure they continue to gain exposure out in the community whether it be ordering food at a restaurant, purchasing groceries, or interacting with others.

Not a parent but my little brother (17) went to a school where they helped teach him everyday activities such as shopping, job finding, etc. I would ask the school if they have anything similar it might be a start. If you need any information on the schools feel free to dm me!

Contact the DDS office nearest to you (reach out to your school system for help with this if needed). They have caseworkers who help with this transition, and also with the process of legal guardianship after 18. There are dayhab programs, residential programs or support workers who DDS can pay for to help with all of this.

I work in elementary sped now, but a few years ago discussions about aging out/next steps was a requirement at every IEP meeting after age 14.

Thank you all for taking the time to comment on my post. I appreciate your support

I'm an autistic adult! Staying on top of your kids' IEPs is the biggest thing you can do right now. My family was extremely supportive of me when I needed services through my IEP. When I went to university, I had a 504 plan through the disability services department to help me with accommodations, talking with professors, and navigating university life. Not sure if you plan/expect your kids to be going to college/university, but some are better than others at supporting specifically autistic/neurodiverse students (RIT and Beacon College are two I know of off the top of my head.)

You could try TILL Springboard