Teens and autism

In speaking of autism spectrum disorder, I am choosing to focus on acceptance, realization, and preparedness when it comes to teenagers transitioning to adulthood, as they continue to live with unique needs. The major mountain to pass during this transition is coordinating independent living skills with a solid quality of life.

If your loved one is within the range of 14 to 17 years of age, now is the time to become aware while fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and realization. The sooner you begin this phase of parenting a teenager with unique qualities and special limitations, the better prepared you will be to act judiciously. The trail towards proactively preparing independent living skills and an elevated quality of life includes the following landmarks: development and implementation of a Transition Individualized Education Plan, employment (and possibly higher education choices), adult benefits under the Office of Mental Health, and future planning.

An individualized transition plan will be a legal document that prescribes your child, and his team, towards the dedication of educational time for teaching important and crucial skills. It is always a great time to incorporate life skill goals onto the individualized plan. Taking that turn from traditional towards functional academics may require families to take a breath — and begin acceptance. This is a less chaotic emotional state than being underprepared and feeling breathless.

Each individual deserves to experience a life of self-determined choices. One enjoyment in life is demonstrating the link between hard work and benefits. Gaining employment, and keeping a job, relies heavily on pro-social behaviors. One can be fantastic at map making, but unable to pass a job interview, work as a team player within an office setting, or understand the social rules of employment.

Try to find your teen’s naturally motivating hobby or talent. Can this be a money-making job? What socio-behavioral skills must be tackled before entry into the workforce? Will he be able to dedicate time and attention towards achievement within a college setting?

For children, we carefully label certain profiles under the umbrella of special education as individuals with special needs. With maturity, support falls from the Department of Mental Health. Some children who receive specialized education become adults who need a wellness approach to mental health. This deems essential elements of future planning must be forefront for families.

Planning for one’s future has various components. Skills that an adult needs to perform each day fall within the framework of social, behavioral, daily living, interpersonal relations, safety, and health of mental, physical, and emotional stabilities. Self-determination of living arrangements and life goals require help from a guiding team.

Use this moment of Autism Awareness to spark the fire of action. Attend informational meetings on transition. Implement the expertise of transition coordinators, and also legal and financial teams. Compose a safe and happy future for your loved one and others in the community. You are now aware.

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ESF Summer Camp

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This camp season promises many exciting opportunities for children to learn new skills, form and nurture friendships and create lifelong memories.<u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u> <u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our goal for our 41<sup>st</sup> camp season, through best-in-class curriculum, is for boys and girls, ages 3-15, to grow up ESF - whether it’s sports, science, technology, the arts, or all of the above. Our experienced, all-adult staff knows that the most important role we play in our campers’ lives is to provide a safe place where they can develop the tools to become independent, confident, lifelong learners. Our 2022 program line-up includes 60+ award-winning activities, uniquely designed to encourage exploration and personal growth. <u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0070c0;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends Happen at ESF! We guarantee that your camper will enjoy a summer with no-limits, where they can be themselves and try new things while their friends cheer them on. The memories they will make and the feeling of having a summer home to call their own is all part of the ESF experience. Enroll now, spots are limited.<u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u> <u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Locations: Riverdale Country School in Bronx, NY and Greenwich Catholic School in Greenwich, CT</p>

Independent Lake Camp

<p>Independent Lake Camp is a premier overnight camp in the Poconos for ages 6-17. ILC is dedicated to being a diverse community with powerful individualized programming, and top-notch facilities & staff. We have been offering respect, creativity and understanding in a challenging and nurturing environment for 30 years.</p> <p>The friendships and connections that are developed at ILC are what makes our community so special. We are a fantastic circus, sports, dance, performing arts, music, aquatics, fine & digital arts, skateboarding, high ropes, role playing games, nature and equestrian camp all rolled into one.</p>

Super Soccer Stars

<p>Soccer Stars is New York’s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps.</p> <p>At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace.</p> <p>Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent & Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week:</p> <p><strong>Connecticut:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Westchester:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>New York City:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Can’t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available! </p>