Episode Details

What happens when the school bus stops coming?

For parents raising a severely or profoundly autistic teenager or young adult, the transition out of school can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff. IEPs end, familiar routines disappear, and families have to figure out what comes next.

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr shares lessons from 35 years of raising his profoundly autistic son, Michael, and explores practical ways families can begin building a meaningful adult life beyond the school system.

Mike discusses what to look for in adult day programs and community-based services, including whether programs actually teach life skills, provide regular community outings, encourage physical and mental activity, support communication and social development, and offer meaningful vocational opportunities.

He also shares examples from the Austin, Texas area, including adaptive recreation, climbing, swimming, farms, museums, parks, and community activities. These examples demonstrate how recreation can become more than entertainment. Real-world activities can create opportunities to practice independence, communication, social skills, behavior regulation, and community participation.

The episode also highlights vocational opportunities for adults with significant support needs, including how combining work with recreation can create a more engaging and sustainable experience.

Mike shares what his family has learned through J13, a program created to provide adults with complex special needs opportunities to get into the community, develop skills, work, build relationships, and participate in activities they enjoy.

Whether you're a parent of a profoundly autistic teenager, the parent of an autistic adult, a caregiver, or a professional working in autism services, this conversation offers practical questions to consider when planning for life after school.

Key topics include:

• Transitioning from school to adulthood
• Adult day programs for people with profound autism
• Community integration
• Independent living and life skills
• Recreation for autistic adults
• Supported employment and vocational activities
• Communication and social opportunities
• Planning for meaningful adult lives

The goal isn't simply finding somewhere to go after school.

It's finding opportunities for your loved one to learn, participate, connect, contribute, and enjoy life.

Learn more about Autism Labs: https://www.autismlabs.com/