Changing to adult services can be challenging for autistic young people and their families. This is because they need to get used to new people and places.
Planning ahead and involving your child in decision making is important. This can help reduce any anxiety and help them learn to be more independent.
When to start planning
It is a good idea to start preparing for your autistic child’s future when they are age 14 or 15. Aim for a coordinated approach between health and educational professionals.
Things to do
You can:
- talk to your child’s GP or disability team about their ongoing needs
- learn about the HSE's approach to supporting adults with disabilities who use day services
- ask local support groups about adult supports available in your area
- arrange for people to help your child access adult services, this can be a friend, family member, or peer
If third level education is a possibility, you can:
- help your child find out if they qualify for DARE support
- talk to your child about the autism services and supports offered by different colleges and universities
Involve your child in planning
Autistic young people often learn how to be more independent as they get older. If possible, involve your child in decisions about their future needs and services. This person centred approach can help reduce their anxiety about any changes.
If your child is non-speaking use their preferred form of communication to get their input. Visual schedules, visual support and video modelling can be useful tools.
If your child has challenges with decision making, you can talk to the Decision Support Service (DSS).
Access to health services
When an autistic young person turns 18 the HSE will continue to provide services for their health and disability needs.
Autism related services
Your local disability services will provide autism related services. This service depends on the resources available in your local area.
Primary care
Your GP will continue to provide your primary care needs.
Your entitlement to additional support like physiotherapy and occupational therapy stays the same.
If you need to go to hospital
If you need to go to the hospital, your GP can refer you. Or you can go directly to the Emergency Department.
If you need mental health services
Community mental health teams provide mental health services. Your GP can refer you to a team.
Private services for adults for autism
There may be services and support that are not available through public services. You will need to pay for these privately.