Navigating Roadmaps
Roadmaps show service stops... "next steps" for the individual!
Autism roadmaps provide a comprehensive outline of the different stages of life and the recommended supports for individuals with autism for those who need them. These roadmaps cover the entire lifespan, specific phases of life, and various levels of autism. They include links to lifespan roadmaps from birth to adulthood, early intervention roadmaps, school years roadmaps, and "transition" roadmaps for teenagers entering adulthood at 18.
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"So here's to the journey of understanding, a road that's ever expanding..."
​Some autistic children may require more intensive early intervention due to the severity of their detrimental symptoms, thereby requiring significant modifications. While it is important to acknowledge the value of being diagnosed at this age, it is essential to recognize that excessive or extreme labeling can have negative effects. Proper assessments help gauge the strategies needed to help the child and play to their existing strengths.
After completing an early intervention program, the usual next step in most countries is transitioning to a public or private school, or potentially pursuing homeschooling. In the United States, a child identified with a neurodivergence can seek special education services that offer accommodations as required.
As an adolescent nears the age of 18, transition planning takes place to ensure that the teenager has a clear path forward for when they reach legal adulthood or have a legal guardian to support them. Roadmaps, such as the one depicted on the right, contain hyperlinks to agencies offering valuable guidance on the necessary steps to take.
These roadmaps, whether customized for specific states or presented in a more general manner, provide guidance on how federal services, laws, and autism-related concepts impact individuals. The hyperlinks embedded within these roadmaps lead to valuable information on the subject. For more in-depth insight, refer to the "National-View" section of this website.
neurodiverseU.org launch - January 2025