Young Adults on the Spectrum: Goals, Transitions, and Independence

LIVE VIRTUAL
CE 3.5

Life is filled with transitions and two of the most significant are the transitions from youth to adult, and from secondary school to college, work, vocational training or something else altogether. Youths define themselves in different ways as adults and their relationships with their family and community at large change as well. Making these transitions successful takes thought, planning and finally action to realize the goals that start as dreams and aspirations.

In this training we will explore the transition to adulthood from three different perspectives the transition of an individual from youth to adult, changes in relationships with family, caretakers and guardians and new relationships to their community, that develop as young adults continue their education, join the work force or engage in other activities that have meaning for them. And creating a successful transition plan, which considers and integrates different perspectives.

Objectives:

• To identify how individual youths understand these transitions and how to help them develop goals for adulthood that have meaning for them.
• To assess with families in helping make the shift from raising a child diagnosed with autism to supporting an adult who has greater autonomy and decision-making power.
• To describe skills and knowledge necessary to help young adults find the supports they need to make the transition to work, college, vocational training or other adult activities.

Schedule:

9:00 -10:00 Learn how individual youths understand these transitions and how to help them develop goals for adulthood that have meaning for them
10:00-11:00 Learn to help families make the shift from raising a child diagnosed with autism to supporting an adult who has greater autonomy and decision-making power
11:00-11:15 BREAK
11:15-1:00 Learn skills and knowledge necessary to help young adults find the supports they need to make the transition to work, college, vocational training or other adult activities

About the Speaker:

Eric Pegnam is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 15 years’ experience working with children in school, clinical and residential settings. Mr. Pegnam was a clinician and clinical supervisor at The Walker School for 14 years. He co-created and directed Stepping Stones, Walker’s Program for children with significant social disabilities including Autism. Mr. Pegnam has been recognized for his efforts by the Westborough Sped PAC, AANE, and National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mr. Pegnam is also an accomplished speaker on the topics of autism, behavior management and a range of other clinical concerns.

He has presented at programs, agencies and conferences throughout Massachusetts including Harvard’s Autism Conference, Plymouth County Juvenile Detention Center, Communities for People and the Department of Mental Health. Mr. Pegnam has provided consultation on individual students, classrooms, and programs to school districts in the great Boston area. For many years, Mr. Pegnam has run social skills groups for children diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, as well as children with a broad range of social and developmental delays. At the Triumph Center, Mr. Pegnam provides consultation to schools, co-facilitates groups, and provides individual and family counseling. Mr Pegnam has piloted a successful “young adults in transition” summer group that will be expanded the four-week summer program in 2025 thru the Triumph Center. He also has completed the Autism Certificate Program from Antioch University. In his spare time, Mr. Pegnam enjoys improvisational acting, book collecting, cats and spending time with his family and friends.