Growing Up...
As children grow up into young adults, new concerns arise for parents and the reality of life as an adult with autism takes center stage. Here are some thoughts from one RDI mom about her experience of raising her child with autism. She listed a few concerns that you may be able to relate to or are about to soon face. One major concern was her child’s future independence and what can she specifically do to foster that autonomy. This included how can her daughter seek and maintain employment, develop lasting relationships, and navigate this complex world.
Another thought she had about her daughter for the future was the ability to be more assertive. Can she advocate for herself, can she protect herself from wrong doings, and can she pursue her desires? Finally, she stated that she wants her daughter to be a competent decision maker. Can she use experiences and prior knowledge in order to make a decision that will guide her in the right direction?
These three points have one thing in common, dynamic intelligence. Dynamic intelligence allows the child to problem solve, develop relationship tools, and the ability to navigate the ever-changing social world. These skills don’t come naturally for children on the spectrum and take a great deal of work from the parents, but with the right guidance and support, children with autism can become productive adults.
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