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Adult & Family Support

Adult & Family Support

Transition planning, independent living, employment accommodations, income and health benefits, and community support for autistic adults and the families who stand with them.

Based on CDC · CPIR · AAP HealthyChildren.org · ACL · JAN · Social Security Administration and 3 more · All sources · Checked November 3, 2026

Age 12the AAP recommends transition planning begin for adolescentsAAP, as described by CDC
350+Centers for Independent Living across all U.S. states and territoriesACL
$2,000SSI resource limit for an individual ($3,000 for couples; higher when a parent applies for a child)Social Security Administration

Planning ahead, together

Transition planning starts in the early teens, and adult life brings new systems: independent living centers, workplace accommodations, income and health benefits, and community support. These official and national resources explain each. Listings link to external organizations; they do not imply affiliation, endorsement or guaranteed services, and eligibility, availability and costs change — confirm directly with each organization.

Transition to adulthood

Federal agencyCDC — Living with Autism Spectrum DisorderCDC advises that educational transition plans be in place preferably by age 14 and no later than 16, and notes the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends transition planning for adolescents starting at age 12; the page also covers respite care and safety.Visit official resource NonprofitCPIR — Transition to AdulthoodExplains IDEA’s requirement that the IEP include transition goals by age 16 (or earlier), that students be invited to IEP meetings about postsecondary goals, and links resources on education, employment, independent living and adult services.Visit official resource NonprofitAAP HealthyChildren.org — Helping Autistic Teens Transition to AdulthoodThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting transition planning around age 12, asking the pediatrician for adult-care referrals and building the teen’s ability to manage their own health care; legal responsibilities shift at 18.Visit official resource

Independent living and work

Federal agencyACL — Centers for Independent LivingCenters for Independent Living — more than 350 across all states and territories, largely led by people with disabilities — provide information and referral, skills training, peer support, advocacy and transition help.Visit official resource Federal agencyJAN — Autism Spectrum accommodation ideasThe Job Accommodation Network, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers free, confidential guidance and accommodation ideas for employees on the autism spectrum, organized by limitation and work function.Visit official resource

Income and health benefits

Federal agencySocial Security Administration — Supplemental Security Income (SSI)Supplemental Security Income provides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities who have little or no income or resources; the page links how to apply and what to report.Visit official resource Federal agencySocial Security Administration — Who can get SSIWho can get SSI: limits on income and resources ($2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples, higher when a parent applies for a child) and the disability requirement for people 64 and younger.Visit official resource Federal agencyMedicaid.gov — Home & Community-Based ServicesMedicaid home and community-based services support people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to receive services at home or in the community rather than in institutions.Visit official resource

Community and adult diagnosis

NonprofitAutism Society — Local Support (affiliates)A state-by-state map of about 70 Autism Society affiliates in 34 states plus D.C., with each organization’s address, website, phone number and email.Visit official resource Federal agencyNIMH — Autism Spectrum DisorderThe National Institute of Mental Health’s autism page covers the condition across the lifespan, links research and clinical trials, and points to help lines including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Visit official resource

Questions to ask

  • When will transition goals be added to the IEP, and will my teen attend the meeting?
  • Which adult providers accept new autistic patients, and do they take our insurance or Medicaid?
  • Does my adult child qualify for SSI, Medicaid or a home and community-based services waiver in our state?
  • Where is the nearest Center for Independent Living, and what services are free?
  • What accommodations can be requested at work, and how?

This website provides general educational information. It does not diagnose autism or replace individualized medical, developmental, psychological, or educational advice. Screening is not diagnosis.

External listings do not imply affiliation, endorsement, or guaranteed services. Eligibility, availability, costs, and insurance coverage may change. Research summaries reflect evidence available at the time of review.