You are capable. So, you are at the beginning of something BIG! Whether it’s diving into higher education at a university, mastering a trade at vocational school, or stepping onto the career ladder, you’re facing a major transition. It’s exciting, sure, but also… maybe a little intimidating? That’s totally normal. But here’s the secret weapon that will make all the difference: your attitude.
| Attitude: The Ultimate Game Changer |
Think of your attitude as the engine driving your success. A positive, proactive attitude will power you through challenges, open doors you never knew existed, and make the whole experience way more enjoyable. A negative attitude? Well, that’s like driving with the brakes on. You might still get there, but it’ll be a struggle.
| Fixed Mindset:Believes abilities are set in stone.Avoids challenges.Gives up easily.Sees effort as fruitless.Feels threatened by the success of others. | Growth Mindset:Believes abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.Embraces challenges.Persists through setbacks.Sees effort as the path to mastery.Finds lessons and inspiration in the success of others. |
Which mindset resonates more with you? Shifting towards a growth mindset is a conscious choice, and it’s one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself.
| Building Up Your Positive Attitude |
Okay, so how do you cultivate this amazing attitude we’re talking about? Here are a few practical tips:
- Embrace the Learning Curve: You’re not expected to know everything from day one. Mistakes are inevitable, and they’re valuable learning opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek help. View challenges as puzzles to solve, not roadblocks.
- Focus on What You Can Control: There will be things outside of your control – difficult classmates, demanding workloads, unexpected setbacks. Don’t waste energy stressing about them. Instead, focus on what you can control: your effort, your preparation, your response to challenges.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Did you ace a quiz? Finish a tough project? Just show up and participate? Awesome! Give yourself credit. These small wins build momentum and boost your confidence.
- Surround Yourself with Positivity: Your environment matters. Seek out friends, mentors, and role models who are supportive and encouraging. Limit your exposure to negativity and drama. Create a space where you feel inspired and motivated.
- Practice Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise regularly, and make time for activities you enjoy. A burnt-out brain isn’t a productive brain.
- Reframe Negative Thoughts: We all have negative thoughts from time to time. The key is to not let them consume you. Challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself: Is this thought helpful? Is it accurate? Is there another way to look at this situation?
- Visualize Success: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself succeeding. Imagine yourself confidently presenting a project, acing an exam, or landing your dream job. Visualization can help you build confidence and motivation.
| Your Attitude: Your Superpower |
Remember, your attitude is a choice. It’s a muscle you can strengthen with practice. By cultivating a positive, proactive attitude, you’ll not only succeed in your chosen path but also enjoy the journey along the way. So, embrace the challenge, believe in yourself, and unleash your inner superpower! You’ve got this!
| Next Steps |
Take some time to reflect on your current attitude. Identify any negative thought patterns you might have and brainstorm ways to reframe them. Start incorporating the tips above into your daily routine. Remember, it’s a process, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, and celebrate your progress along the way.
BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST
The back-to-school season can be a time of excitement and anticipation, but for young adults with autism and their caregivers, it can also bring unique challenges. With careful planning and preparation, this transition can be smoother and more successful. This checklist provides essential strategies and tips to support young adults with autism as they embark on their academic journey. Remember: Yes, you can! All things are possible.
| Creating Predictable Routines |
Routines provide a sense of structure and predictability, which can significantly reduce anxiety and promote a feeling of control.
- Establish a consistent sleep schedule: Aim for the same bedtime and wake-up time each day, even on weekends, to regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Create a morning routine: Break down the morning into smaller, manageable steps, such as getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing a bag. Visual supports can be helpful.
- Plan for after-school activities: Schedule time for homework, relaxation, and preferred activities. Consistency helps manage expectations and reduces uncertainty.
| Fostering Independence |
Encouraging independence is crucial for building self-esteem and promoting self-sufficiency.
- Teach self-care skills: Practice tasks such as personal hygiene, dressing, and meal preparation. Gradually increase responsibility as skills develop.
- Promote decision-making: Offer choices whenever possible, such as what to wear or what to eat for lunch. This empowers young adults to feel more in control.
- Encourage problem-solving: When challenges arise, guide them through the process of identifying the problem, brainstorming solutions, and implementing a plan.
| Utilizing Visual Schedules |
Visual schedules are powerful tools for enhancing understanding and reducing anxiety, especially for individuals who are visual learners.
- Create a daily or weekly schedule: Use pictures, symbols, or words to represent activities and tasks in the order they will occur.
- Post the schedule in a visible location: Ensure it is easily accessible and can be referred to throughout the day.
- Review the schedule regularly: Go over the schedule each morning or evening to prepare for the day ahead. Make adjustments as needed.
| Advocating for Needs |
Self-advocacy is a critical skill for young adults with autism. Caregivers can play a key role in teaching and supporting this process.
- Identify strengths and challenges: Help the young adult recognize their unique abilities and areas where they may need support.
- Teach communication skills: Practice expressing needs and preferences clearly and respectfully.
- Attend IEP meetings: Actively participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and advocate for necessary accommodations and services.
| Joining Social Skills Groups |
Social skills groups provide a structured and supportive environment for learning and practicing social interactions.
- Research available groups: Look for programs specifically designed for young adults with autism.
- Consider interests and preferences: Choose a group that aligns with the individual’s interests and goals.
- Prepare for group sessions: Discuss expectations, practice social scripts, and review strategies for managing challenging situations.
Life After High School
This is the question so many families face the moment the graduation cap comes off. For us, the decision didn’t come easy. We prayed, researched, asked questions, and had to really consider what was right for us—not just what the world said we should do.
We chose vocational school—a program that offers real-life, hands-on training, structure, and pathways to employment without the overwhelm of a traditional college setting.
What About You?
Did you choose college, a trade, a job, or something else? What helped you decide? Are you still figuring it out? That’s okay too. Just know that we are building a roadmap together—one step at a time.
Social Skills for Life: Embracing Connection, Honoring Solitude
For individuals with autism, social skills aren’t just about learning how to “fit in”—they’re about discovering how to connect meaningfully, while also understanding that being alone is not a weakness, but a gift!
Being Alone is a Gift
- Time to recharge – Many autistic individuals find peace and restoration in solitude. This time allows them to reflect, process emotions, and engage in special interests that bring joy.
- Clarity of thought – Solitude fosters focus and creativity. It’s a space where they can be fully themselves without sensory or social pressure.
- Self-awareness – Alone time helps build emotional intelligence and a deeper understanding of personal needs and values.
Why Social Skills Still Matter
- For independence – Knowing how to communicate needs clearly can help in housing, work, and health care.
- To build safe relationships – Social skills teach boundaries, respect, and how to recognize healthy vs. unhealthy connections.
- To thrive in community – Connection doesn’t mean constant socializing. It means having chosen support and knowing how to interact when it matters most.
Teaching Tip:
Use both structured and flexible tools to teach social interaction, such as:
- Visual scripts for everyday scenarios
- Role-playing with real-life examples (ordering food, asking for help)
- Identifying personal space and boundaries
- Practicing “social rest” as part of the routine (e.g., time to decompress after social interaction)