All Kinds of News for January 13, 2021

Children with autism mature into young adults who want to attend college, work, and have a social life. What happens when children on the autism spectrum grow up? In most cases, they require assistance with their transition into adulthood and the challenges of getting and maintaining a job, enjoying social relationships. Some also require support with the skills of daily living.

While many young adults on the autism spectrum qualify academically for college, they frequently struggle with other aspects of college life. Coupled with the often dramatic change in support services once they get to college, persons with autism are often severely disadvantaged. College life and society in general are not autism-friendly but with an active team to support them and help them recognize and utilize their individual strengths, these individuals can quickly develop and build healthy self-esteem and a sense of self-worth.

Persons with autism can be a superior employee in task completion and job knowledge. However, they may struggle with understanding the social behaviors of the workplace. At times, even the physical environment itself may present challenges. Sensory differences as simple as fluorescent lighting or sounds can make the workday exceedingly unpleasant for individuals, resulting in employment difficulties.

In addition, the ability to understand social clues (difficulties with social cognition) can limit the young adult with autism from participating in community activities.

Supportive communities, such as EDGE Advance, provide an innovative transitional space to assist young adults with autism integrate fully into school, life, and community. These programs develops social, executive functioning and job skills. The ideal environment also provides social opportunities with both neurodiverse and neurotypical peers. In the right environment, these young adults blossom, make friends, and have a full social calendar. Regular events should include small group interactions, dinners, cooking, nutrition, fitness, and cultural outings that are integrated with a diverse group of similar aged young adults.

EDGE Advance is a transition program for young adults with autism or other learning differences and provides real life experiential skill development in areas such as social skill development and practice, executive functioning, sensory processing, and wellness. Every individual explores their goals and dreams with the coaching team to determine their individual needs and supports while living in a urban residential apartment setting.

About EDGE Advance

EDGE Advance is a transitional program for neurodiverse (Autism Spectrum Disorders - ASD) young adults. Utilizing a clinically integrated coaching model, the goal of EDGE Advance is to create a path for emerging young adults to develop the habits and skills necessary to lead autonomous lives of purpose.