NAA NYM is Excited to Announce:
Roadmap to Adulthood: A Series of Lectures About Transition from School To Adulthood for Children on the Autism Spectrum
Kicking Off with
Chantal Sicile-Kira
Transition to Adulthood – Preparing for a Full Life with Autism
Thursday, September 24th, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Rebecca School, 40 East 30th Street, NYC
The transition to adulthood is a great challenge, not only to the teen on the spectrum, but to the parents as well. In fact, research show that the transition into adulthood is one of the most stressful times for parents of children with autism. Why that is, what parents can expect, and what parents can do to prepare for (and even grow from) this period of transition will be explained by Chantal. Practical tips on how parents and educators can best prepare their youths – no matter their ability level – for this major life change will be shared. Topics to be discussed include person centered planning, creating an enjoyable life based on strengths and interests, creating a circle of supports and the use of mentors. This major life transition can be scary, but with preparation and planning it doesn’t have to be.
Chantal’s passion for empowering others, her love of writing, and her personal interest in autism has led her to become a leader in the field of adolescence and transition to adulthood, and an international speaker and award-winning author of five books. Having first worked with individuals with autism in California, and then raising her son Jeremy in three different countries gives her a perspective few in the field have. Chantal recently founded AutismCollege.com, which provides practical information and training on-line for parents and educators. Chantal’s first practical experience with autism was at Fairview State Hospital, teaching self-help and community living skills to severely developmentally disabled and autistic adolescents in preparation for their de-institutionalization. Then, as a case manager for Orange County Regional Center for the Developmentally Disabled, Chantal provided information and resources to families. Little did Chantal know that years later, these work experiences would prove invaluable when her son (now a young adult) was born and eventually diagnosed with autism.
Chantal served on the Taskforce on Transitional Services & Supports reporting to the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism, and was appointed by the California Senate Select Autism Committee to co-chair the South Counties Autism Regional Taskforce.
Chantal’s recent awards include the 2013 Jo Pike Believe Award from the National Autism Association; and being named a 2013 Top Ten Autism Blogger and Social Health-Maker by Sharecare. Chantal and her family have been featured in the MTV documentary “True Life” series and a wide variety of media, including NPR, PBS, The Chicago Tribune, Newsweek (cover article), and Fox News.
Chantal’s award winning books include the recently revised Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autism Life Skills; Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum (all published by Penguin); A Full Life with Autism (co-authored with Jeremy, published by Macmillan); What is Autism? (Turner).
Chantal’s book, A Full Life with Autism, will be available for purchase.
Light refreshments will be served.
To ensure that we have sufficient space for this exciting presentation, please RSVP to
rsvpnaanyc@naanyc.org.
Upcoming Lectures in the Series:
Resources and Supports: Navigating the Developmental Disability Service System
Tracy Kernan, LCSW
Senior Coordinator, YAI
Thursday, October 15th
Self Determination & Financial Planning
Stuart Flaum
Wednesday, November 18th
College and Other Post High School Options
Eileen Feliciano, PhDThursday, December 10th
Housing Options for Adults Affected by Autism
Joseph Campagna, Special Needs Housing Consultant
HousingConnect
and
John Maltby, Director Community Support
Westchester Institute for Human Development
Wednesday, January 14th
Panel of Young Adults Affected by Autism
February (date TBA)
