The future can be a daunting prospect for parents like us, with a common worry being… what happens when our autistic child turns 18?

In this article we consider the future including what challenges and assistance we may encounter.

A child with autism growing up

Parenting doesn’t stop at 18 does it?

We will all be worrying about and likely providing some sort of care for our children in to adulthood.

Naturally adult life will vary from one autistic child to another. For example your child may be high functioning and have led a pretty standard childhood.

But there are obviously children with some significant needs, who’s needs don’t turn off the second that 19th year starts.

School’s out

School ending is probably the biggest change we all will face.

Although school would have possibly come with all kinds of challenges and heartache it was a consistent aspect of life for your child.

Knowing that your child had school for likely five days a week gave you both structure.

School may also have given you a break as well, with around 30 hours a week dedicated to your child’s education.

Of course some autistic children will go on to further education, and some were homeschooled.

But for the majority the end of that last term is a daunting prospect.

Employment?

One of my biggest worries for our child is sending her out into the workplace.

Jobs can be brutal places what with possible exposure to the public and what can be unkind colleagues.

You also have the question of are they capable to work? It is too early for me to say but if you have an older child you may have an indication.

There are certain reassurances in play such as in the UK at least there is disability legislation in play.

What this means is that employers cannot discriminate against someone with a disability and must make certain allowances.

Allowances for an autistic employee could include dimmed lights and concessions to allow them to wear headphones.

Support

I can only really comment regarding the UK but the way your child will be supported by the government will likely change.

Until that 18th birthday you would have likely been claiming carers financial support.

Whilst your child turning 18 doesn’t mean that you are not longer entitled to this but your child will transition from child services to adult services.

Adult social care

Autistic adults will likely be eligible for adult social care services. This means they will receive support in areas such as finding accommodation, accessing employment and assistance with daily living skills.

This is reassuring to know that there is help and assistance in the pipeline helping our children to transition into adults.

For advice you could reach out to the National Autistic Society. They have various centres including their West London HQ in Ealing Broadway.

They are friendly, well equipped and can answer almost every question you can think of. We can’t recommend them enough.

Financial assistance

In the UK your now adult son or daughter may well be entitled to financial support from the state.

PIP (personal independence payment) is a benefit in the that helps individuals with the additional costs associated with a disability or long-term health condition.

Autistic adults may be eligible for PIP if they meet the eligibility criteria based on their ability to carry out daily living activities and mobility.

Accomodation

Autistic adults may be entitled to support in finding suitable housing options, such as supported living accommodations or social housing.

Local authorities (councils) can provide guidance and assistance in accessing appropriate housing solutions.

Summary – What happens when my autistic child turns 18

Whilst the above detailed assistance is UK focused it is likely that there are similar options available in places such as the US.

There will be some decisions to make as a family in terms of if you want your child to remain under your roof or not.

These decisions are very individual and personal with families having to strike a balance between cultivating independence and providing support.

Difficult decisions aside it is reassuring to know that in most countries you are not left to your own devices.

There are well oiled processes and support mechanisms available to assist with your child’s transition to adulthood.

It’s important to note that eligibility for benefits and entitlements can depend on individual circumstances and may require assessments and applications.

It is recommended to reach out to local authorities, social services, or organisations specialising in autism support.

Support agencies will be able to talk you through the process in your own area.