Parenting for Independence

Patty Laushman's Parenting for Independence offers neurodiversity-affirming, practical guidance for parents of autistic emerging adults who are 'stuck' or experiencing what is often labeled failure to launch.

Grounded in self-determination theory and informed by Laushman's coaching experience and lived family experience, the book presents the SBN framework—Support, Boundaries, and Nudges—to rebuild trust, set meaningful limits, and craft gentle, strategic steps toward future-focused action.

It reframes independence as positive interdependence and emphasizes getting young adults into the driver's seat of their lives to activate intrinsic motivation.

The book includes examples, scripts (like declarative language), and strategies for dealing with burnout, skill deficits, and readiness, while also helping parents reset timelines and meet their own needs.

Laushman aims to help families create momentum without control and to reduce parental shame and anxiety by offering concrete, compassionate next steps.