Profound Strategies to Help You Navigate Life as an Autistic Person After Graduation

Bullies are everywhere, including in schools and neighborhoods....

Autism
March 21, 2025

Bullies are everywhere, including in schools and neighborhoods.An autistic child has a greater risk of being bullied because of their inability to properly interact with their peers.As a parent, it is normal to get emotional when you realize your child is facing any kind of harassment.However, there are more insightful ways to stop the bullying of an autistic child and help them get over it.Talking to them is an excellent way to save your autistic child from abuse.Autism makes it hard for the child to notice when their peers are harassing tAdults who have grown up with an autism diagnosis or who may have just received a diagnosis face issues with employment, social interactions, and daily living.Increasingly, more people are looking for help to navigate life as an autistic person after graduation.Knowing about the right strategies in support of autism will help people navigate life as an autistic person after graduation.These strategies will help in difficult situations, as well as alleviate stressful moments that may lead to a meltdown.To be able to navigate life after graduation, you will need the right life skills.Possessing the right life skills aids your ability to take care of yourself and survive on your own.Planning ahead is also crucial because it helps you prepare for the changes that will likely occur in your life.Autistic people don't like change, so it is always better to plan ahead and ease them into it.Continue reading to learn more about navigating life as an autistic person after graduation.

Plan for Changes in Routines

You can become ready for some shifts and alterations to your regular routines when you are aware of them in advance.Activities such as going out on your own, going to work, or attending a scheduled appointment are examples.You can probably handle these changes easier if you have some idea of what to expect from them.There are a number of options for getting a head start on the transitions that will occur when you graduate.One way you can accomplish this is to take in the knowledge and experience of those around you.Social stories can help you learn from the experiences of other autistic people who have graduated and are adjusting to life in the real world.

Mind Your Emotional Well-Being

The state of your mental well-being will also contribute to how well you can navigate life as an autistic person after graduation.Emotional dysregulation is a common problem among autistic people. You can be more resilient by learning techniques like deep breathing and meditation.It can be hard for a person on the autism spectrum to make friends because of their difficulties with social interaction.Regular therapy sessions with a therapist can be very helpful for many autistic people as they learn to deal with their emotions, interact with others, and form friendships.Adopting coping strategies can also be useful in managing your mental well-being.First, you need to understand your triggers, and then you will be able to figure out what coping mechanism can help you feel better.Some coping mechanisms include taking walks, listening to music, deep breathing, exercising, and engaging in relaxing activities, among others.

Learn Essential Life Skills

A huge part of how well you will navigate life as an autistic person after graduation is influenced by how well you can survive on your own.Life skill training is crucial for autistic people because it helps them function more independently in their everyday lives at home, in the outdoors, and in the community.When taught at a young age and progressively expanded upon, these abilities equip persons with autism with the tools necessary to boost self-esteem and find greater fulfillment in life.Learning is more effective when one is aware of their individual talents and opportunities for improvement.For many persons on the autistic spectrum, visual aids are crucial to success.There are a variety of effective methods available for imparting such essential knowledge.Making a visual tool that deconstructs a long, involved practice into manageable chunks is a fantastic place to begin.Make a Morning Checklist, Lunch Checklist, and Bedtime Checklist to ensure you don't forget anything.A person with autism may benefit from this method since it allows them to feel more in control of their day as they cross things off their list.

A man in front of a productivity banner.

Make a List of Your Interests

Discover the best way forward for you.It's quite easy for you to fall into the trap of doing what everyone else is doing or sticking with a strategy you devised a decade ago.Instead, take stock of your abilities and shortcomings, and get moving in the direction that will serve you best.You will gain tremendously from being able to relax and have fun without having your parents or guardians hovering over your shoulder.It can be good to transform the specific hobbies of autistic persons, who often have very specific interests, into activities that are more age-appropriate.Think about what kinds of things you could do that would satisfy these passions.Formal education at a university or community program, an internship, or a part-time job are all examples of such possibilities.

Explore All Education and Work Options

Weigh all the options available.These options include college, support groups, communities, vocational and trade school programs, volunteer or intern positions, or job opportunities.Encourage yourself to participate in a social setting where you feel safe, comfortable, and included.Social engagement could include community activities and groups that align with your interests and abilities.Community or group engagement helps create a sense of belonging.You can learn from other people who are going through the same experience as you.Speakers from community organizations are a common occurrence at support group gatherings which is a fantastic means to ask questions and learn from the community.Volunteering is a great way to build employment skills and can lead to a paying job.With the right level of guidance and assistance, you can get the chance to learn a new trade or skill, receive some hands-on training, and build up some work experience.If you decide you want to get a job, it's a win-win for everyone involved if you take into account your skills, interests, and passions while choosing a degree or a career.

Conclusion

Don't feel overwhelmed; there is a plethora of support for autism out there.You just need to figure out what works for you.You can navigate life as an autistic person after graduation by planning for expected changes in routines, minding your emotional well-being, learning life skills, making a list of your interests, and exploring all education and work options.

Resources

https://www.verywellhealth.com/parenting-an-adult-child-with-asperger-syndrome-259948

https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/behaviour/understanding-behaviour/changing-routines-asd

https://autismawarenesscentre.com/schools-out-forever-what-do-we-do-now/

https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/coping-skills-reducing-overwhelm/

https://advancingyourhealth.org/living-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-after-graduation/

https://www.autismspeaks.org/life-skills-and-autism

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Autism

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