Caring for a Teen or Young Adult Child with ASD

Caring for a Teen or Young Adult Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

External Resources

  • Succeeding in College with Asperger Syndrome: A Student Guide by Jon Harper, Maria Lowlier, and Michael Fitzgerald (2004)
    This book is specifically written for students with Asperger syndrome and includes information on preparing for college and making decisions about college, as well as important skills for succeeding in college.
  • Aquamarine Blue 5: Personal Stories of College Students With Autism by Dawn Prince-Hughes (2002)
    This book recounts personal stories about students on the autism spectrum who have been accepted to college and their experiences.
  • Realizing the College Dream with Autism and Asperger Syndrome by Ann Palmer (2006)
    The author is the mother of a student with AS/HFA who successfully transitioned from high school and home to college and dorm life. While this book is written for parents, it has many helpful tips and ideas to prepare for college.
  • Autism-Asperger’s & Sexuality: Puberty and Beyond by Jerry and Mary Newport (2002)
    This book was written by a husband-and-wife team, both of whom have Asperger syndrome. It takes an in-depth, honest look at the sexual challenges and issues facing individuals with ASD. It is a resource for the caregiver as well as the adolescent or young adult.
  • Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty, and Personal Curriculum for Young People With Autism by Mary Wrobel (2003)
    Using visual aids, stories, and activities, this book covers topics such as hygiene, health, modesty, growth and development, menstruation, touching, personal safety, and masturbation. It does not contain an explanation of sexual intercourse or reproduction.
  • Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence: Living with the Ups, the Downs, and Things in Between edited by Liane Holliday Willey (2003)
    This book covers all topics that are important to individuals with Asperger syndrome during adolescence, such as sexuality, friendships, and transition to adult issues.
  • Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent’s Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Chantal Sicile-Kira (2006)
    This book offers an in-depth look at the cognitive, social, physical, and transitional needs that face adolescents along the autism spectrum. Topics such as teaching strategies, puberty, self-care, social skills, teenage emotions, and sexuality are presented with important advice and examples.