Preparing for Life: The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome

by Jed Baker

Typically, Autism Spectrum Disorders high school graduates are unprepared for the transition to independence. Early, ongoing training in the social skills crucial to establishing successful adult relationships in college, vocational school, residential living, or on the job can help. He also guides readers through the legal, financial, educational, vocational, and community resources available after graduation. The essence of the book lies in the 73 Skill Lessons targeting: nonverbal communication, empathy, anger/anxiety management, conversational skills, and employment-related skills which can be taught by parents, teachers, or professionals. This easy-to-follow resource offers a complete toolbox of social skills and the means to attain them. Helpful chapters include: Asperger’s syndrome, autism disorders, and the need for life skills training. The transition process and the law College, Career and Residential Options Beyond High School: What parents can do to prepare their son or daughter (by Rick Blumberg, Assessment of social skill needs Skill instruction strategies: Individual, small group, self-instruction. Training peers to be more accepting of students on the spectrum Skill Lessons.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, Self Help, Education

371 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[A.J. Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall some good, useful information. However, some info is outdated. Some is patronizing. Still, some useful information.

[Virginia Bieszad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very helpful for higher functioning autistics in my opinion.

[Kia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from the ECAC lending library. This is a good book to read if your child is at least 14 since it deals with the subjects such as, College yes or no, living situations after age 18 - group homes, assisted living etc, and applying for SSI and medicaid for your child. Its a little dated since there are some protections in terms of health insurance etc your child gets past age 18 but the information as to what to do is still relevant.

The book has several exercises for how to detect sarcasm, what to do when you meet someone, how to have mutually respectful conversations when talking to someone you know a little and what to do when you have anger issues and social tics especially if you are aware of your social tics which many older children do notice.

While i read the whole book its really decided into 2 parents with the beginning half mostly being about parent advocacy and moving towards self-advocacy and the back half being the exercises that the person with autism should use. I gave it to my daughter to read the exercises so she can have more beneficial conversations at lunch while at school.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent if you want a book on social skills which has precise guidelines and scripts on what to do in most situations, from what to say on the phone to what to do with potential friends. It has a large section for caregivers too, but the main focus of the book are the young adult readers...for the most part, the "what to do when your child has..." sections are kept to minimum. The sections do have instructions for teachers, though.
I liked this book very much and would recommend it.