YouthTransitions2

As our Autism blog series comes to a close, our final story continues the discussion on managing transitions to adulthood – a topic that often poses many challenges for youth and their families.

Disability Scoop recently released an article on how young adults with autism are facing significant challenges after high school, with many on the spectrum finding themselves unemployed, isolated and lacking services. Click here to read the full story.

While the transition process has its many challenges, there are resources such as: planning supports, post-secondary education opportunities, employment services, inclusion programs and initiatives and caregiver groups to assist individuals and their families on this journey.

For example, Inclusion BC launched the “on my way” project to help students prepare for a full life after high school. Five unique, talented and enthusiastic students and their families agreed to share their hopes, dreams, challenges and successes in transition planning and invite you to be part of the conversation by participating in the blog. There’s also the Vancouver Parents Transition Group , an education and support group that features guest speakers who provide information and support to youth and their families on the transition process. Additionally, familyWORKs has established several chapters around BC that bring families together to learn the different approaches in finding employment. School districts and service providers throughout the lower mainland offer yearly or bi-annual information fairs, and welcome youth ages 14 years and older to get involved with their families in planning this life transition.

posAbilities supports the work of the above organizations and hosts several family education workshops each year. Coming this weekend, is the Transition to Adulthood planning workshop for parents and caregivers of youth with special needs. The event is on Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 1-4 pm in Maple Ridge. Malgosia Tomanik, Family Consultant with Parenting Paradigm and Monique Nelson, Director of Community Engagement with posAbilities, will guide participants through an afternoon of learning how to create a smooth transition to life after high school for youth and the entire family.  Leave this workshop with a step-by-step planning guide, list of resources and the opportunity to ask questions and learn from other family members. Seating is limited and refreshments will be provided. Please register by Thursday, April 30, and if you require more information about this workshop or on other supports available, contact Monique by phone 604-299-4001 ext. 270 or email, [email protected] . (p.s. Although it’s never too early to begin planning, this workshop will be most timely for families of youth ages 14 and up).

In closing, we hope you enjoyed our stories throughout April in honour of National Autism Awareness Month. We thank you for following our series and encourage you to continue the conversation by sharing these posts and commenting on our social media channels.