Moderate Support • Ages 18-22 • Goal:

Plan for Work

Action step 1.

Plan for transportation.

Many young adults use public transportation or rideshare services to get to work. A support person can ride with you until you feel safe and confident to go on your own. In some areas, paratransit services help people with disabilities. These drivers watch out for you along the way and even drop you off at your door!

Resources

  • From Autism Speaks about transportation resources near you
  • From the CDC about public transportation
  • From the U.S. Department of Transportation about public transportation

Words to know

paratransit
public transportation
rideshare services
support person

Action step 2.

Ask for accommodations, if needed.

Vocational specialists and job coaches at your school and local employment services can help you identify and ask for accommodations at work. Asking for accommodations and supports can help you gain confidence and advocate for yourself as a new worker.

Resources

  • From Autism Speaks about disclosing your diagnosis to your employer
  • From the Autism Speaks Employment Tool Kit
  • From Autism Speaks about your employment rights

Words to know

accommodations
advocate
confidence
job coach
supports
vocational specialist

Action step 3.

Get support to help you manage your money.

Many autistic people share money responsibilities, like banking and budgeting, with a support person. Others may use a professional financial representative to help with things like life insurance and Social Security. Learn about ABLE accounts, special needs trusts and other financial resources to help you manage your money now and in the future.

Resources

  • From Autism Speaks about ABLE accounts
  • More from Autism Speaks about ABLE accounts
  • From Autism Speaks about financial representation
  • From Autism Speaks about how to find a financial planner near you
  • From the ABLE National Resource Center on ABLE accounts
  • From the Autism Speaks Financial Planning Tool Kit

Words to know

ABLE account
life insurance
professional financial representative
Social Security
special needs trust
support person

You’ve reached the end of the action steps for this support level and age group.

  • To find services and providers in your area, visit our Resource Guide.
  • For direct contact with a member of our Autism Response Team, call 1-888-AUTISM2 (1-888-288-4762) or en Español 1-888-772-9050.
  • Send an email to: help@autismspeaks.org.
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