Abstract

The late teens and twenties are exciting times, but filled with potential pitfalls as young people navigate the transition into independent adult life.

This handbook is filled with the information that young people with ASD say they want (and need) to know about alcohol and drugs, social media and online safety, relationship types and boundaries, safe sex, stress and emotional health, and independent living. It includes real life examples, coping strategies and practical tips to help young adults with ASD stay safe while living life to the full.

Informal and frank, this will be a go-to guide for young people on the autism spectrum.

The authors are respectful and informative in explaining concepts that may be socially confusing and cloaked in non-verbal cues for young adults on the spectrum. This manual fills a gap in resources and, for that, we parents and young adults on the spectrum are grateful.
from the foreword by Jane Thierfeld-Brown, Ed.D, Director, College Autism Spectrum, and Assistant Clinical Professor, Yale Child Study, Yale University
Sensitive and hard to discuss issues (often glossed over for individuals with ASD) such as dating, measuring the stages of relationships, sex, and drinking are covered frankly, bluntly, and thoroughly. While of the utmost importance to everyone, these tough discussions affect young adults on the spectrum differently, often times due to the awkwardness of the topic, and the social faux pas that happen during everyday spectrum living.
from the foreword by Aaron Schatzman, young adult with ASD

Lisa M. Meeks, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of Student Disability Services at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. She has developed specialized transition supports for students with ASD at three universities and frequently acts as a consultant for other academic and corporate institutions. She lives in San Francisco, CA.

Tracy Loye Masterson, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology at John Carroll University and a licensed clinical psychologist and specializes in working with individuals with ASD. She is the recipient of the David Hoch Memorial Award for Service and the Curtis Miles Service Award for her service pertaining to the ASD community. She currently is on the Board of Directors for Milestones Autism Resources and is also a board member for IHM/Building Behaviors Autism Center. She lives in Ohio.

Michelle Rigler, EdD is the Director of the Disability Resource Center and Mosaic Program at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is the co-author of a four year curriculum for support programming for college students with ASD. Michelle has been recognized as an expert in working with young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders as they transition into, through and out of college.

Emily Quinn is the Access Coordinator for the Disability Resource Center and serves in the role of faculty and coach for the Mosaic Program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Emily co-authored the four year curriculum titled The BASICS College Curriculum.

Illustrations by Amy Rutherford, M.Ed. Amy is the Program Coordinator for the Mosaic Program and serves as faculty and coach within this program. Amy co-authored The BASICS College Curriculum and developed the highly engaging visual models for each chapter.