#048: Communication and Independence For Young Autistic Adults with Dr. Lisa Audet

Dr. Lisa Audet is an extremely knowledgeable special education teacher, SLP, and professor at Kent State. In fact, over 20 years ago she was my professor! She specializes in communication and independence for autistic adults, works with these individuals on her campus, and has a unique viewpoint for those of us working with younger adults with autism at the middle and high school level.

Because socially and academically the needs are very different from high school to college or work-based settings, it can be hard for parents and professionals to identify the needs of students preparing for transitions. Dr. Audet identifies these needs as learning a sense of self, self-care skills, and understanding their strengths. As therapists, we often focus on students' needs and teach them new skills, but approaching therapy with a strength-based model can help students self-identify and determine jobs and settings that best suit them.

Self-monitoring is so important for everyone. For autistic individuals, this can provide success in a variety of ways. This means understanding when they are uncomfortable, when they have a need, or how to understand and repair a relationship or situation when they’ve missed a boundary. Dr. Audet uses the Stop-Think-Make a Plan method for her students to teach them to assess their situation and determine solutions before a problem arises.

Older autistic students in high school may be preparing for college or for placement in a work setting. Dr. Audet talks about the ways we can not only set up the student for success but educate employers on the individuals in the work environment. Students should be entering work environments that align with their interests, strengths, and desires, not what “makes sense” to the providers they work with. Alternatively, there is work to be done in the education of employers because many times fear of hurt feelings prevents great learning and developmental opportunities from taking place.

As a professor at Kent State, Dr. Audet has a great understanding of what Ohio has to offer its young autistic adults as well as other individuals with other disorders. The Office for Ohioans with Disabilities has a vocational counselor on every state campus. She shares all of the great resources they can provide to students who voluntarily seek their assistance. The Organization for Autism Research has a book that is a great resource for college-bound individuals with autism.

There is a lot to be done to support and initiate success for young autistic adults, especially with their varying places on the spectrum. Every state varies on the resources they provide, so be sure to look into all of the resources and options available locally to you!

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What’s Inside:

• Developing a sense of self within autistic young adults.
• Self-care and self-advocacy for autistic individuals.
• The importance of a strength-based therapy model.
• Self-monitoring for success.
• Transitioning from an educational environment to a post-secondary environment.
• Communication in the workplace with autistic adults.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Working with toddlers and preschool-aged autistic learners - Start Communicating Today Autism Course
Working with school-aged autistic learners - Help Me Find My Voice
ABA Speech: Home