Episode Details

Autism transition to adulthood isn’t just about leaving school. It’s about what comes next and whether a young adult is ready for it.

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr speaks with Will Renfro, who leads transition services for more than 70 students, and Patti Cole, a veteran special education teacher known for her creative, individualized approach to learning and independence.

They share real-world strategies that go beyond standard transition plans. The conversation focuses on how independence is built through experience, not just instruction. Families will hear why early community exposure matters, how small communication breakdowns can lead to major behavior incidents, and why flexibility is critical when supporting autistic individuals.

A powerful story from a community outing shows how a simple misunderstanding around a communication device led to a serious safety situation. The takeaway is clear. Behavior often has a cause that isn’t obvious at first.

The episode also highlights practical steps families can take today. These include building daily living skills, introducing real-world environments gradually, and working closely with educators to create consistent systems at home.

This conversation is especially relevant for parents of autistic teens and adults, caregivers, and professionals supporting individuals with higher support needs.

If you’re preparing for life after school, this episode will help you think differently about what real readiness looks like.

See the links below for resources:
Round Rock Destination Life - http://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1cqFuZ-Kv9D6cy1lDVKRRfRhtcZ5Jc0GN
Round Rock ISD - https://sites.google.com/roundrockisd.org/spedtransitionservices
Texas SPED Support - https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/resource-library/texas-transition-and-employment-guide