This week: The transition to adulthood is an exciting journey. Autism Speaks is committed to providing families of children and young adults with autism with the information, tools and resources they need so that their journeys lead to more independent adult lives that are meaningful to each individual. Below you will find just some of the many resources Autism Speaks has available to help you along the way.

Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit assists families on the journey from adolescence to adulthood

This helpful resource has been accessed over 40,000 times by families planning for their child's future. Other tool kits for transition-age individuals and their families include the Special Needs Financial Planning Tool Kit, the Postsecondary Education Opportunities Guide, Employment Tool Kit and more.  Read More

Tool for Assessing Community-based Skills for Teens and Young Adults with Autism is Now an App!

Autism Speaks is excited to announce that the Community-based Skills Assessment is now an app! This first-of-its-kind tool is designed to help families, school employees and other professionals create personalized transition plans for students with autism based on an assessment of their strengths and challenges at home, in the workplace and during leisure activities. Read More

Autism and the transition to adult healthcare: Guidelines for lifelong care

An important component of an optimal journey to adulthood is the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. Within the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, we're working hard to help families prepare for this transition, with guidelines for families and healthcare providers. Read More

Bipartisan legislation introduced to enhance ABLE accounts

Just over two years ago, the ABLE Act was passed by Congress and signed into law. The ABLE Act allowed states to create tax-preferred savings accounts for disability-related expenses. Nineteen states now have ABLE programs, and more states will have a program soon.

Congress is working to make the ABLE Act even better. Legislation that has been introduced to enhance account benefits and make accounts available to more people. Read More

Puberty and Adolescence Resource: A Guide for Parents

The changes associated with puberty can often impact the transition journey and as a result, preparing for these changes can help smooth the process. This guide from the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network was developed to increase families' understanding of puberty and their ability to adapt to these changes with confidence. Read More