Friday, March 22, 2024

Assistance For Autistic Adults

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Resources For Adults With Asd

Working with people with autism: the professionals
  • Autism Now has resources and information for individuals with autism, other developmental disabilities, and their families. A national initiative of The Arc.
  • Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit provides information about the transition to adulthood for individuals with ASD. In addition to the development of self-advocacy skills, the kit covers the topics of community life, housing, health, sexuality, internet safety, employment, and post-secondary educational opportunities.
  • A Guide for Transition to Adulthood, which is part of the Life Journey Through Autism series by the Organization for Autism Research , is a comprehensive resource to aid in transition planning for individuals with ASD.

Living With Adult Autism Tip : Improve Communication And Relationships

If other people have a hard time reading and understanding youand you themyoull likely have difficulty with relationships. But you can still find ways to nurture a healthy social life.

Consider disclosing your diagnosis. Talking about your diagnosis can be difficult and the social stigma attached to ASD may make you shy away from doing so. While disclosure is entirely up to you and your comfort level, it may help improve some relationships. Letting close friends and family know about your diagnosis can help them understand why you have a hard time interpreting their sarcastic comments, for example, or why youre distressed by sounds that seem normal to everyone else.

Note when youre experiencing sensory overload. Perhaps you find it difficult to keep up with everything thats going on in an intense group conversation. Or maybe something as simple as loud traffic or a barking dog is bothering you. Do what you can to minimize distractions. This might involve switching rooms or leaving a larger group for a one-on-one chat.

Look for common ground with the person youre talking to. Establishing commonalities can lead to more relaxed and enjoyable conversations. If you have similar hobbies, thats, of course, great news. Otherwise, you can look for other things you both like or dislike. This could be anything from a shared interest in cars to a shared dislike for loud noises.

Support groups for adults with autism

Complementary And Alternative Treatments

Some individuals and parents use treatments that do not fit into any of the other categories. These treatments are known as Complementary and Alternative treatments. Complementary and alternative treatments are often used to supplement more traditional approaches. They might include special diets, herbal supplements, chiropractic care, animal therapy, arts therapy, mindfulness, or relaxation therapies. Individuals and families should always talk to their doctor before starting a complementary and alternative treatment.

There may be other treatments available for individuals with ASD. Talk to a doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.

Recommended Reading: How Do Doctors Diagnose Autism

The Puzzle Of Lifestyle Planning

Everyone makes choices daily that impact life. For example, people decide where they will work, with whom they will live, and in what extracurricular activities they will engage. For individuals with autism spectrum disorders these decisions are often made by others and without the persons input. Lifestyle planning allows people with autism to explore possibilities, brainstorm strategies, and identify outcomes that are typically beyond what is offered by traditional services. Quite simply, lifestyle planning is a method for supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorders in making choices which reflect preferences, areas of strength, and their own visions.

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Get Autism Support Today

50 ways to help autistic people

Autism is a lifelong condition that comes with both strengths and challenges. Autism support is necessary and available to individuals and families with autism in the form of therapy, services, organizations, and support groups.

If you think you or your child is exhibiting symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, it is important to get an autism spectrum evaluation. Request an appointment for a consultation or evaluation today.

Also Check: Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder

Read Also: How To Live With Autism

Positively Adhd Tammy James Ma Adult Adhd Coaching

Specializing in coaching adults with ADHD, extensive experience working with those with a new diagnosis of ADHD, skilled in working with those with co-morbid diagnoses. Tammy has been employed within the post-secondary disability services field for over a decade and has worked extensively with young adults with LD and/or ADHD as both a Learning Disability Specialist and Disability Counsellor/Educator. Credentials include M.A. , M.A. , ADHD specific coach training through ADD Coach Academy . Group coaching available at a reduced rate to enhance accessibility of coaching service. St Catherines area.

Positively ADHD Tammy James, M.A. Adult ADHD Coaching

Specializing in coaching adults with ADHD, extensive experience working with those with a new diagnosis of ADHD, skilled in working with those with co-morbid diagnoses. Tammy has been employed within the post-secondary disability services field for over a decade and has worked extensively with young adults with LD and/or ADHD as both a Learning Disability Specialist and Disability Counsellor/Educator. Credentials include M.A. , M.A. , ADHD specific coach training through ADD Coach Academy . Group coaching available at a reduced rate to enhance accessibility of coaching service. St Catherines area.

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Coach Kate Mccaul Acc Cpc Eli

Coaching for adults by a coach who understands the gifts and challenges of living with ADHD. Ideal for adults who want help creating a plan and taking action to make positive changes to their life. Coaching involves powerful self-awareness, including exploring positive mindsets, detecting and leveraging strengths, and creating new habits and lifestyle choices.

Coach Kate McCaul, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP, B.A.

Coaching for adults by a coach who understands the gifts and challenges of living with ADHD. Ideal for adults who want help creating a plan and taking action to make positive changes to their life. Coaching involves powerful self-awareness, including exploring positive mindsets, detecting and leveraging strengths, and creating new habits and lifestyle choices.

Recommended Reading: Can You Become Autistic Adulthood

Signs That It May Be Time To Enroll In A Program

There are many signs that it may be time to enroll in a program or course to help adults on the spectrum thrive and learn new skills and strategies to improve their quality of life. Some of these signs include:

  • The individual has difficulty living independently
  • The individual is not thriving in their current environment
  • The individuals interests and abilities are not being taken into account
  • The cost of the program is reasonable
  • The location of the program is convenient

Grants Available Through Other Organizations

Dating Advice for Adults With Autism

OASN does not offer grants directly to families.

Families residing in the state of FL are eligible for services we provide at our facility, not grants. Grants listed below have not been checked recently. Please contact each organization listed below to ensure they are still offering grants currently.

Autism CaresThis Autism Cares webpage contains a direct link to the registration process for a Financial Support Award. These Awards are granted on a monthly basis to families who have experienced a qualifying event such as loss of employment. The maximum award per family is $1000.

Autism Family Resources GrantsOne-time $500 grants are awarded to families in financial need household income may not exceed $50,000 per year. All funds awarded are paid directly to the vendor or service provider to pay for therapy equipment, safety equipment or services. Email requests for an application along with name, address, phone number and email address to: .

Helping Hands Program, National Autism AssociationProvides families with financial assistance to obtain medically necessary treatments, lab testing, and physician-recommended supplements for their child with autism. This program does not provide funding for ABA or other types of therapy, camp tuition, respite care, fencing, trampolines etc. Funding is extremely limited. Annual net income must not exceed $50,000. Visit NAA for more information.

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Autism Employment Connector Challenge Winners Selected

Autism Speaks announced on June 13, 2022, the winners of the ‘Autism Employment Connector Challenge,’ launched in partnership with HeroX, the leading platform and open marketplace for crowdsourced solutions.

The Autism Speaks-sponsored Challenge invited innovators including jobseekers, employers, students, recruiters and members of the community, to identify solutions that support autistic job seekers navigating the employment search and application process while effectively communicating skills and abilities to prospective employers. After careful review by a team of experts consisting of autistic people, family members of people with autism, service providers, HR professionals and corporations that prioritize inclusive hiring, the three submissions that have been selected as winners include:

  • Zensory-Blissful Job Searching for Autistic Adults, submitted by Team Screen Queens
  • Congratulations to all of the applicants and winners! Read more about the Challenge here!

    Welcome to Workplace Inclusion Now . This program was designed by an autistic-led team to help you research, find and keep employment in a competitive labor market. Stories, tips and resources were developed from a collaboration of experts, led by autistic adults, based on multidisciplinary research into what makes a workforce thrive and how employees and employers can be set up for success.

    Other free resources available to job seekers include:

    Structured Success Coaching & Consulting

    ADHD Coaching and Academic Strategy services available for professionals and post-secondary students. ADHD, autism, and dyslexia can make life harder than it needs to be. Working with an experienced, knowledgeable coach can help you to build strategies for better coping. Maaya relies on her psychological training, experience as a coach, and lived experience with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism to support you as you build the structures you need to succeed at your goals.

    Structured Success Coaching & Consulting

    ADHD Coaching and Academic Strategy services available for professionals and post-secondary students. ADHD, autism, and dyslexia can make life harder than it needs to be. Working with an experienced, knowledgeable coach can help you to build strategies for better coping. Maaya relies on her psychological training, experience as a coach, and lived experience with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism to support you as you build the structures you need to succeed at your goals.

    Recommended Reading: Do We All Have Autistic Tendencies

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    Top 10 Autism Friendly Employers

    Lisa Sullivan, MS, is a nutritionist and health and wellness educator with nearly 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry.

    According to research, performing job-related activities helps to reduce symptoms and increase daily living skills for those with autism however, only about half of autistic adults are employed. Theres no doubt that employment is elusive for adults on the spectrum. This reality, however, is changing fast.

    A January 2019 article in Forbes,Effective Autism Employment: A Legal Perspective. would have been nonexistent a decade prior. The article pointed to major initiatives by top tech employers, such as SAP and Microsoft, and the beneficial impact of their workplace inclusion programs.

    Transition To Adulthood Autism Research Institute

    50 ways to help autistic people

    Stephen Shore, Ed.D., recounts his experiences with autism and discusses the support systems that helped him transition to adulthood and independence. He describes the ability-based approach and uses anecdotal stories to portray its potential for assisting with transitions and overall quality of life. Shore presents suggestions to help individuals find what and how to disclose and underscores the importance of finding strengths by looking at personal interests. The speaker notes difficulties in sexual experiences and education for youth with autism and reiterates the importance of self-advocacy, especially during and after the pandemic. He closes with a question-and-answer session.

    Watch Now

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    Transportation Issues Rarely Addressed By Providers Autism Research Institute

    Very few medical or behavioral specialists discuss driving or other transportation-related issues with patients who have ASD , according to a new study.

    Emma Sartin and colleagues surveyed 78 providers, mostly pediatric physicians and psychologists who care for both autistic and non-autistic patients. Half of the providers reported having transportation-related discussions with non-autistic patients, while only one in five discussed transportation issues with patients with ASD. A third of providers believed they were able to assess if non-autistic patients were capable of driving, while only 8 percent believed they could assess the readiness of patients with ASD.

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    Two: Discuss Peer Pressure

    Many adults with autism are desperate to please others and fit in socially. In some cases, they may be manipulated into lending someone money or spending more than they can afford while out with someone who is willing to take advantage of them. The same is true when it comes to salespeople. Their main objective is to sell, which, unfortunately, may lead to untrustworthy misinterpretations.

    Read more:Social Skills Activities for Adults with Autism: Whats It All About?

    Tip: If youre concerned that someone has taken advantage of your loved one, you may want to track and review receipts to better understand their purchases. This will be a good time to discuss the monetary value of items and how important budgeting is.

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    What Are My Rights As An Adult With Autism

    Is It Autism and If So, What Next? A Guide for Adults

    Another benefit to obtaining an official diagnosis is eligibility for supports, services, treatment and protection under various laws. Below is a list of just a few of these protections that can help you address some of the challenges you may be facing as an adult with autism at work, at home or in the community.

    Americans with Disabilities Act

    The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities and transportation. In terms of employment, Title I of the ADA applies to public and private employers with 15 or more employees and prohibits discrimination based on disability when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, fringe benefits and more.

    The Job Accommodation Network, a service of the U.S. Department of Labors Office of Disability Employment Policy, is another tool that offers accommodation ideas specific to autism at askjan.org.

    Vocational Rehabilitation Services

    You can find the contact information for your state VR office at www2.ed.gov/svr.

    Medicaid Home and Community Based Services

    For more information, visit www.medicaid.gov.

    Social Security

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    How Coaching Helps Adults

    What happens when autistic kids become adults?

    Every client has their own unique needs.

    Every client that works with us has their unique combination of goals and needs. Their focus might be specific life goals or achievements they have difficulty reaching. They may be newly diagnosed and trying to better understand what they are facing and how to deal with it. They are looking for specific strategies to navigate life and experience less mishaps. They may know there are some skills they want to focus on making stronger. The possibilities of needs are many and the focus is always customized to each client and their coaching plan.

    We work with adults in many facets of their life.

    One of the great things about the Center is all the ages, stages and facets of life we are experienced and specialized in supporting for our clients. ADHD Coaching is life coaching but with the expertise of approaching life through the lens of having ADHD. Examples include well-being and holistic living, establishing new routines and daily habits, improving relationships, managing finances, organizing busy households, parenting, building careers, and increasing work productivity to name a few.

    We help our clients build on many different types of skills.

    The most frequently addressed executive skills with adults may include impulsivity, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, time management, organization, planning and prioritization, task initiation and follow through, staying focused, and working memory.

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    Clearish Coaching & Counselling

    Clearish Coaching and Counselling provides Career Change and Growth Counselling, and Counselling for Parents of Children with ADHD. Services are provided via secure online video or telephone in British Columbia.

    Clearish Coaching & Counselling

    Clearish Coaching and Counselling provides Career Change and Growth Counselling, and Counselling for Parents of Children with ADHD. Services are provided via secure online video or telephone in British Columbia.

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    Turning 22 With Autism

    The relative lack of information for and about adults on the spectrum means that many parents or guardians suddenly find themselves scrambling when their childnow a young adultreaches the magical age of 22.

    That’s because, on their 22nd birthday, people with autism suddenly lose their entitlement to services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and enter the much chancier world of adult services.

    While the IDEA requires schools to offer “free and appropriate education” to all children, there is no such requirement for adults. As a result, funding and programming for adults may or may not be available at any given time.

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    To Better Prepare For Independence Adults With Autism Require A Plan And Support

    A lack of financial understanding can cause a significant gap, creating a barrier in terms of becoming independent. For those with autism, they often require a plan and your ongoing support, as well as tools they can leverage. The goal is to start as soon as possible.

    The following suggestions are great financial resources for adults with autism and help guide you and your loved one along your unique journey. Be sure to adapt key steps based on personal needs, preferences, skill sets, and behaviors.

    Finding Autistic People You Like

    Training and Support for Parents and Caregivers of Children with Autism ...

    Its important to remember that autistic people are as unique, varied, and shaped by personal life experiences as anyone else in the world.

    If you run across an autistic person who does not treat you well , try not to take it personally. Just like everyone else, autistic people vary in personality and interests. Keep on looking and exploring, and eventually youll probably find an autistic person who shares some of your interests and views.

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    Dr Houyuan Luo Clinical Psychologist

    Dr. Houyuan Luo provides psychological assessment and psychotherapy to adults with various difficulties such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, stress management, anger management, self-criticism, psychosis and medical concerns.

    Treating patients between the ages of 18 â 59 in English and Mandarin Mandarin via in-person, phone or video appointment, Dr. Houyuan Luo is a registered Counselling and Clinical Psychologist and a Certified Therapist in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy . Please call or email for fee arrangement.

    Dr. Houyuan Luo, Clinical Psychologist

    Dr. Houyuan Luo provides psychological assessment and psychotherapy to adults with various difficulties such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, stress management, anger management, self-criticism, psychosis and medical concerns.

    Treating patients between the ages of 18 â 59 in English and Mandarin Mandarin via in-person, phone or video appointment, Dr. Houyuan Luo is a registered Counselling and Clinical Psychologist and a Certified Therapist in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy . Please call or email for fee arrangement.

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