Adulthood (19+)
What Should My Child Be Doing As An Adult?
During your child’s younger years, they may be focusing on developmental skills and goals. As adults, the focus may shift to specific skills relative to a particular setting, such as work, postsecondary education, and home. Some autistic adults may not need support related to working, living independently, finding a social circle or network, or dating or finding a romantic partner. Others may need assistance in these areas. Some adults may be happy and well-adjusted, and others may experience mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression. Types of support and help can vary and may look different depending on the individual. Many factors contribute to the degree of support an autistic adult may need, including language level, communication ability, cognitive level, and mental health.
What services might my adult child/family want or need?
An autistic adult’s services should fit with their age, goals, needs, and individual/family values. An autistic adult who has difficulty with self-help or work skills may need vocational rehabilitation services, while an autistic adult with anxiety or depression may need mental health services. See below for descriptions of services and targeted areas for this age group.
Vocational Rehabilitation FAQ's
Work Inclusion Now (WIN), an Autism Speaks initiative, was created to connect autistic individuals with employers who are seeking more equitable and inclusive work environments. Inclusion Works is a North Carolina initiative designed to promote inclusive competitive work environments for individuals with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit:
Work Inclusion Now Info
Inclusion Works
College Resources for Students with Disabilities
Learn more about the transition to college for students with intellectual disabilities.
ThinkCollege.net
As autistic adults make decisions about their next steps, there are several options for attending a postsecondary institution, including but not limited to, four-year universities, community colleges, and vocational schools. For information that will aid autistic adults in selecting the right path for them, visit:
Postsecondary Educational Opportunities Guide
TEACCH’s T-STEP Program is a collaboration between the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, UNC TEACCH Autism Program, and community colleges across North Carolina. The goal of this free service is to teach 16-21-year-olds skills that will aid in their successful transition to employment and postsecondary education.
TEACCH's T-STEP Program
For adults who need help with daily living skills or organization and planning, they may consider Occupational Therapy:
See below to find occupational therapists in your area who may have some knowledge of autism. You can enter “occupational therapists” and your zip code to search providers in your area.
Autism Society of NC Resource Directory
Autism Speaks Resource Guide
For adults who need help with social situations, organization and planning, or self-help skills, they may consider Mental Health Therapy
Autism Society of NC Resource Directory Autism Speaks Resource GuideThe Work Together NC program focuses on adults, but may also be a resource for finding mental health providers in your area:
Work Together NC - Find Services
The 211 website has a searchable database for providers in your area. To find mental health providers in your area, enter your zip code and “mental health”
Search for Mental Health Providers
Navigating services. A care coordinator/navigator helps families access services, get needed help, and communicate with other providers. A social worker may also serve this role in some settings.
Resource and Referral specialists are available at each Regional Center of the UNC TEACCH Program:
TEACCH Resource and Referral Specialists
Resource and Referral specialists are available through the Autism Society of North Carolina:
ASNC Resource Specialists
Care navigators may also be available through a family’s MCO or health plan. For families who have managed Medicaid, you can find your local MCO here:
NC DHHS: LME/MCO Directory
Some autistic adults may choose to be involved in their own support groups. For information about support groups:
Support Groups specific to autistic adults in NC
For more information about types of guardianship and the process, visit:
Guardianship toolkit
To learn more about supported living and to find agencies that support adults’ living needs, visit:Residential options toolkit
Where can services be delivered?
Services can be delivered in different locations. Some services are delivered in the residential/home setting, while some providers may work in a clinic, and the individual may need to travel to get services. Services may also be delivered within the community. Telehealth is another way services can be provided if the health plan will cover this option. For autistic adults, it is important to consider their goals and whether telehealth is a practical option. Click below to find service providers in your area and remember to ask about the possible locations.
Service providers in your area who have knowledge of autism
There are different ways to pay for services. Health plans or health insurance often fund part or all the cost of certain services. Although it may be expensive, individuals may also have the option to pay for the service themselves. If an individual is not able to pay for a service, there may be grants available to help cover the cost. Learn more about Medicaid funding in North Carolina: While Medicare primarily serves senior citizens (65+), a person under age 65 becomes eligible for Medicare 24 months after they begin to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Learn more about Medicare funding in North Carolina: Learn more about SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and additional funding resources: Visit SSI page directly and learn how to apply for services Vocational Rehabilitation provides employment services for individuals with disabilities, including autism. Learn more about Vocational Rehabilitation: The Innovations Waiver is designed to provide funding to support individuals with disabilities in the community. Eligibility is based on an individual having a developmental disability and level of need. It is not based on income. There is a long waitlist and applying early is recommended. In addition, it may open the door for other services and support. Information on Innovations Waiver and how to apply: What agencies provide services in my area?
How do I pay for services?
Medicaid Funding
Medicare Funding in NC
SSI and additional funding resources
Vocational Rehabilitation
Innovations Waiver Information
What community programs may be helpful?
BFAST is a UNC TEACCH Autism Program project in collaboration with the Autism Society of NC and the Frank
Porter Graham Child Development Institute made possible through funding from the C Felix Harvey Foundation