Autistic Self Advocacy Network
An organization advocating and creating resources for the autistic community.
For Families
Supporting Success After High School
There are many things you and your autistic child or family member can do that may help them become more successful after high school.
Everyone defines success differently. ATTAIN’s research focuses on outcomes such as:
- Getting a job
- Pursuing further education or training after high school
- Gaining professional certificates or licensure
- Actively participating in the community
- Connecting with others, either in person or online
- Volunteering and voting
- Attending events and visiting places in the community
- Living independently, if desired
There are steps you and your autistic child or family member can take that may lead to success in one or more of these areas after high school. This page describes experiences grounded in research and links to resources that ATTAIN’s team of academic researchers, autistic self-advocates, and autism experts find helpful.
This section of the website will continue to expand, so please check back for updates.
Predictors of Post-School Success
Predictors are experiences and skills that research has linked to improved outcomes after high school. Families can support these predictors in different ways at home, in school planning, and in the community.
Inclusion in General Education
If your autistic child or family member is in high school, consider whether they are being taught alongside students with and without disabilities. Inclusive settings alongside peers without disabilities can provide academic, behavioral, social-emotional, communication, and transition-related benefits. Families can support inclusion by learning about their rights, asking questions, and communicating with teachers and school staff about what they believe is best for their child or family member.
Career Awareness and Work Experience
Learning about different careers can help your autistic child or family member identify fields that interest them and understand what skills, education, or experiences may be needed to enter those fields.
Career exploration in high school can include a part-time job, internship, job shadowing opportunity, volunteer role, or other work-based learning experience. Work experience, whether paid or unpaid, is an important predictor of employment after high school for autistic young people.
Parent or Family Involvement
Research shows that parent or family involvement is linked to post-school success. Involvement can take many forms, including conversations about life after high school, support with transition planning, meetings with school staff, or participation in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings when applicable.
Self-Determination
When young people are self-determined, they take more control over their lives. Self-determination includes making choices, solving problems, setting and working toward goals, and advocating for one’s needs.
Families can support self-determination by offering meaningful choices, seeking input before making decisions that affect the young person, and creating opportunities to practice self-advocacy at home, at school, and in the community.
Resources Focused on Autism and Neurodiversity
These organizations and programs provide advocacy, community connection, college-focused support, mentorship, or resources related to autism and neurodiversity.
College Autism Network
Provides resources for college-bound and current autistic college students and a network for people working with autistic students.
NeuroHub
Connects people through community, shared knowledge, and resources.
NEXT Connects
A mentorship program connecting autistic and neurodivergent aspiring professionals with established professionals.
Resources Focused on All Disabilities
These resources support career exploration, employment preparation, accommodations, training, and workplace rights for people with disabilities.
Apprenticeship.gov
A government website connecting people to apprenticeship programs.
CareerOneStop
A set of tools about careers, education, training, finding a job, and locating local job centers.
Job Accommodation Network
Information and guidance about workplace accommodations.
Job Corps
A national program with local sites for learning and training to prepare for a career.
My Next Move
A career exploration website with pages in English and Spanish.
O*NET OnLine
An online occupation finder for learning more about careers, skills, training, and job requirements.
Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities
A network supporting people with disabilities in the music and live entertainment industries.
Vocational Rehabilitation
State vocational rehabilitation agencies may provide services that support the journey to employment.
YouthBuild
A national organization with local programs focused on building career and leadership skills.
YouthRules!
Information about youth rights in the workplace.