Summary Checklist

The following is a brief checklist of things to help you get started. This checklist is meant to serve as a guide only and is not exhaustive of all services and supports you should explore for your child or family member.

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Health and Medical Care, and Related Therapeutic Interventions

• Understand the definitions for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and why a person should be diagnosed.
• Learn about treatment options and therapies
• Sign up for the Autism Waiver
• Apply to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
• Investigate Behavior Supports if you need them
• Identify a General Practitioner/Family Practice/Primary Care doctor
• Schedule regular re-evaluations and medical follow-up to measure progress and identify challenges
• Develop a system to organize your paperwork
• Develop a good group of providers and supports that will continue to work with your family on a long term basis

Medical Assistance

• Learn more about Medical Assistance

Assistive Technology

• Learn all you can about Assistive Technology services available
• Explore financial assistance for Assistive Technology
• Students should exit school with a communication system that they can use comfortably and that they can take with them into the adult world

Education

• Understand the requirements/criteria for exiting with a Diploma vs. a Certificate of Completion
• Make sure that the IEP contains achievable, measurable objectives that reflect the student’s transition goals
• Determine with your IEP team which state assessment tests are most appropriate for your child
• Contact your Parents’ Place of Maryland, Partners for Success Family Center, or the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for assistance with school issues, IEP development, school resources
• Prepare to transition out of high school
• Understand your student’s placement options
• Address any instances of bullying immediately
• Understand matters of discipline including suspension and expulsion
• Get involved with your local Special Education Citizen’s Advisory Committee (SECAC) or the Maryland Special Education State Advisory Committee (SESAC)
• Apply to the MSDE Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
• Explore summer time options
• Explore college options
• Explore secondary education options (technical school, culinary school, apprenticeship, etc.)
• Develop a system to organize education records

Employment

• Develop employment skills and make sure your young adult has employment experiences, either paid or volunteer
• Make sure your teenager has a resume that may include a list of skills and competencies as well as a video portfolio showing him/her at work
• Apply to the MSDE Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
• Explore employment services and opportunities available in Maryland
• Evaluate interests and strengths – vocational assessments
• Make a decision about disclosure (of diagnosis)
• Learn about 504 Plans

Housing

• Explore housing options (residential, community supports, rental options, home ownership)
• Apply to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
• Apply to the local public housing authority Section 8 waiting list
• Help your young adult establish credit

Social and Relationships

• Help your young adult learn about appropriate social skills
• Teach your young adult about sexuality and relationships
• Develop the recreational and leisure activities that your young adult enjoys

Funding for Services and Legal Issues

• Review the “Financial Things Every Parent of a Child with Autism Needs to Know”
• Understand what it means to move from Entitlement to Eligibility
• Apply for Social Security Benefits
• Apply to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
• Investigate Low Intensity Support Services (LISS)
• Learn about life planning tools and options
• Explore the legal implications of reaching age 18
• Develop a system to organize financial and legal records

Safety

• Address issues of being on their own, legal ramifications

Support: Support Groups and Respite

• Network with others at a support group
• Investigate support groups for your young adult
• Identify needs of support and establish a support system
• Take care of yourself, your spouse, your other children
• Investigate respite care options

Transportation

• Explore options including public transportation, Mobility, and driver’s license
• Apply for all appropriate transportation programs
• Help your young adult obtain a Maryland State ID card issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration

Advocacy and Self-Advocacy

• Make a decision about disclosure (of diagnosis)
• Learn about becoming an advocate at the local and national level. Consider joining local and national autism groups and listservs.
• Get involved with your local Special Education Citizen’s Advisory Committee (SECAC) or the Maryland Special Education State Advisory Committee (SESAC)
• Help your young adult learn self-advocacy skills