Helping Your Adult Child Thrive: Tips for Parents of Special Needs Adults
Transitioning into adulthood isn’t just a milestone; it’s a comprehensive journey involving education, employment, independent living, and social relationships. Each young adult’s path is unique, shaped by their needs, abilities, and dreams.
As parents of special needs adults, your concern for your child’s future is natural, and early planning is essential. Ideally, this preparation should begin in the late teenage years to ensure a smoother transition.
Education and Life Skills
Securing meaningful employment is a significant milestone in the transition to adulthood. At The Deron School, our Bridge Transition and Pathways Program is designed for young adults with disabilities, providing valuable work-based learning opportunities. Students engage in work sampling or internships, benefiting from our collaborations with over 20 local partners in diverse fields such as retail, food services, medical facilities, and daycare.
Throughout these experiences, students are shadowed and supervised by a Deron Job Coach, ensuring comprehensive support. These work-based learning opportunities are structured to help students clarify their career goals and interests, explore a variety of career paths, develop critical employability skills, apply academic knowledge in real-world settings, ease the transition from school to employment, consider further education or training, and enhance overall career readiness.
Encouraging your child to explore their interests and strengths helps identify potential career paths. Additionally, working on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through volunteer work or part-time jobs can build confidence and provide valuable social interaction.
Independent Living
As your child enters adulthood, discussions about independent living become increasingly vital. Consider various living arrangements, whether staying home, living independently, or exploring supportive housing options. Involving your child in these decisions is crucial, as it helps them understand the implications and prepares them for potential independent living.
Start by teaching basic household management skills like grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning. Gradually increase their responsibilities, allowing them to decide about their daily routines and living environment.
Social Relationships
Social skills are pivotal in the transition to adulthood. Encourage your child to build and maintain friendships; strong social connections are essential for emotional well-being. Involve them in community activities, clubs, or support groups that cater to their interests. These settings provide excellent socialization opportunities and help develop important interpersonal skills.
Legal and Financial Planning
Transitioning to adulthood also involves navigating legal and financial matters. Collaborate with a financial advisor or a special needs planner to explore options for managing your child’s finances, including government benefits, savings accounts, and potential trusts.
It’s also crucial to discuss legal considerations like guardianship and power of attorney to protect your child’s needs as they enter adulthood. Consulting with an attorney specializing in special needs planning can offer valuable guidance, ensuring you have expert support to look out for your child’s best interests.
Choose The Deron School
The Deron School offers a state-approved private school program, and services tailored to your child’s unique needs. If you believe your child could benefit from our extensive resources and dedicated support, don’t hesitate to contact us with any admission inquiries. Together, we can help your child thrive as they transition into adulthood.