~127~"Parenting Autistic Teens: Bridge the High‑School‑to‑Adult Gap – Insights with Susan Tatum"
Why Susan’s Mission Matters
30 years in physical therapy → single mom of an autistic daughter → retired to focus on elevating autism families.
Believes “we all rise together”; every piece of the support puzzle matters.
The “Abyss” Explained
Chronological age ≠ developmental age; a 17‑year‑old may function at a 13‑14 level.
After graduation, structured school supports (IEPs, schedules, bells) disappear, leaving parents to rebuild the framework from scratch.
Start Planning in Middle School
Shift from “survive today” to “prepare for tomorrow.”
Early conversation prevents last‑minute scrambling for services.
Three Must‑Do Actions for Parents of 8th‑Graders
Ask “Why?” – Clarify the purpose behind every skill (e.g., budgeting, measuring discounts).
Identify Functional Goals – Focus on real‑world tasks rather than abstract academic benchmarks.
Map Interests to Opportunities – Turn a hobby (e.g., fishing, chess, art) into a pathway for employment or volunteer work.
Social‑Skill Strategies
Encourage participation in clubs, ROTC, or interest‑based groups to create a sense of belonging.
If a club doesn’t exist, create one (e.g., a student‑run chess club).
Behavior ≠ Manipulation
Use visual cues (color‑coded post‑its, timers, charts) to teach self‑regulation.
Teach children to communicate needs through simple signals instead of “behaving out.”
The “Swiss‑Cheese” Planning Model
Every child’s support plan has unique “holes.”
Custom‑tailor accommodations; avoid one‑size‑fits‑all templates.
Finding & Securing Resources
Network relentlessly – other parents are often the fastest source of up‑to‑date info on vouchers, housing, and programs.
Example resources mentioned:
Special‑needs housing vouchers (VA) – limited and appear sporadically.
“Surfer’s Healing” (free surf therapy for autistic youth on the Atlantic coast).
State‑by‑state resource directories (in development on Susan’s website).
Next Steps for Parents
Build a local or online parent support group.
Track deadlines for vouchers and program openings.
Use visual tools (post‑its, timers) to embed daily routines.
Call to Action
Free 30‑minute Clarity Call with Cheryl (Insight to Impact Coaching) – book now to map your teen’s transition plan.
Download the “Transition Tracker” PDF (goal‑setting, budgeting, daily schedule templates) – available in the show notes.
Join the “Parents of Teens on the Spectrum” Facebook Group for real‑time support and resource alerts.
Susan Tatem is the founder and CEO of Bright Path 4 Autism, an autism advocate, coach, speaker, international bestselling author, TV host (Puzzled Parents), and YouTuber (@PuzzledParentsUnlocked). Drawing on nearly 30 years in healthcare and her lived experience raising her daughter with autism, she transforms parents of kids with autism from overwhelm and uncertainty to clarity and confidence through IEP strategy, services navigation, and life-skills planning that lead toward independent adulthood. Susan delivers one-on-one coaching, group programs, and masterclasses, and shares practical guidance in publications like Autism Parenting Magazine, on stages, and across her TV and YouTube platforms. Her mission is to educate, empower, and elevate families—and ultimately build supported living pathways for young adults with autism—because every piece matters.
Important Links / How to find you
https://brightpath4autism.org; www.youtube.com/@PuzzledParentsUnlocked; http://www.facebook.com/SusanMTatem
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