Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest: Achieving Supported Independence

by Nancy Perry

Children on the Autism Spectrum often grow up to find they are unable to cope effectively with the challenges of adult life. This book shows that, with the appropriate lifelong care from parents and carers, it is possible for those with neurodevelopmental disabilities to achieve supported independence and live fulfilling adult lives. Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest provides a guide for parents on how to prepare their children for adulthood, and describes in detail the kinds of services people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) need in order to live independently, away from the parental home. The author explains the importance of the cognitive abilities that enable us to regulate behaviour and adapt to changing situations, known as Executive Functions, and how an individual's deficits in this area can be especially problematic in the adult world. The book provides approaches to managing Executive Function Deficits and describes an innovative therapeutic program that successfully allows adults with ASDs to live with their peers and develop meaningful adult relationships. This book provides practical and accessible guidance for parents, therapists, people with ASDs, and anyone with an interest in helping people on the Autism Spectrum lead their lives with a sense of dignity and independence.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2008

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this mostly for the information about Executive Function Disorder. It definitely delivered on that ... Wow.

What I really loved was learning about how the facility was run, what the clients were like, what the consistent issues were between clients, staff, and parents.

My takeaways ... that it's a kindness to adults to learn how to live and do well away from their parents. These facilities have the potential to provide structure, growth, and friendships/love interest for the first time in some adult autistics lives. The saddest, most difficult thing would be to have an adult on the spectrum live with their parents, and only their parents ... and how sad and horrible it would be when that parent dies. I don't think I spent a ton of time thinking about that aspect.

The other thing ... that the real problem with executive function disorder is that you can have a highly intelligent person who just cannot hold more than 3 or 4 concepts in their head at any given time, and how much that affects planning, which in turn affects almost every aspect of your life. This is the issue we have with our son, who holds a masters degree. Smarts is not his problem. But oh, the lack of ability to plan is debilitating. It's really difficult when a person can be intelligent, present as intelligent to the world at large, and not be able to function as other intelligent people do in many ways. If I as the parent can't understand this, how can others be expected to understand it?

I learned MANY NEW THINGS after 30 years of regularly reading books on Autism. Thanks to Ms. Perry for an illuminating read.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is more relevant to lower functioning ASD when I was looking for a resource for clients and their families about higher functioning (mild) ASD, previously Asperger’s. If anyone has recommendations, please feel free to share.

[Madeline McEwen]

Still reviewing!

[Nessa McCasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really learning a lot about executive function (or dysfunction) that is helping me understand my son and even about memory issues (my dad suffered from alzheimer's before he died).