Strategies for Building Independence in Young Adults with Autism

Stepping into adulthood brings new responsibilities, new expectations, and sometimes, new anxieties — especially for young adults with autism and their families. Many daily tasks that seem routine to others may feel overwhelming at first, and that’s completely okay. With patience, encouragement, and the right supports in place, adults with autism can develop meaningful routines, foster confidence, and build a life that reflects their strengths and goals.

Independence doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it may mean handling daily tasks with little assistance. For others, it may mean mastering specific life skills while still relying on guidance when needed. What matters most is helping your loved one find a rhythm that feels right for them and giving them space to grow while knowing you’re still by their side.

Stepping into Adulthood

Independence can look different for adults with autism. For some, it means self-sufficiency, while for others, it means mastering key life skills with occasional assistance. 

The goal here isn’t necessarily to eliminate all support, but rather to maximize personal autonomy, decision-making, and self-advocacy in all aspects of life, including living, working, learning, and socializing.

One of the most important things your family and loved one can do is to get connected with a support coordinator. Your chosen support coordinator will take the time to get to know your loved one — their strengths, preferences, goals, and challenges — and use that information to develop an Individualized Service Plan (ISP). This plan guides everything from skill-building and community involvement to employment supports and daily living needs.

Support coordinators also act as a steady point of contact. They help communicate with service providers and connect individuals to programs offered through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (NJ DDD). As needs, interests, or goals change over time, support coordinators ensure the ISP is updated and help explore new opportunities that align with your loved one’s growth and preferences.

Below are a few areas where families can help their young adults strengthen independence while still offering steady, reassuring support.

#1 — Daily Living Skills

Developing daily living skills takes time and consistency, and many young adults with autism may need extra guidance in these areas. The key is introducing tasks slowly, breaking them down into steps, and celebrating progress along the way. Check out these examples and see how you can incorporate them into your loved one’s new adult life.

Self-care

When it comes to personal hygiene, dressing, and grooming, it’s easy to get caught up in other routines and forget the little things. Leaving a daily checklist on the bathroom mirror can be helpful, as it serves as a visual reminder for your loved one. Consider using an erasable board and marker to account for any changes in routine or make the checklist interactive.

Household management

Tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry can be challenging at first, especially when they’re new or feel overwhelming. One helpful approach is to break these tasks into smaller steps and practice them together. For example, doing laundry side-by-side gives your loved one a chance to learn the routine in a low-pressure way. Over time, these shared moments can build familiarity, confidence, and independence.

Planning and time management

Busy schedules, appointments, and social plans can quickly become overwhelming. Practicing the use of calendars, alarms, and reminders together can make a big difference.

READ MORE: How Support Coordinators Manage Long-Term Care for Adults with Disabilities

#2 — Employment Readiness

Securing and maintaining employment can be a major step toward independence. For adults with autism, the workplace can present unique challenges related to social interactions, sensory environments, and unwritten rules. 

Focusing on developing specific job-related skills and preparing for the professional environment can significantly boost confidence and success in their career journey.

Identifying strengths, interests, and potential job paths

When looking for employment, it is important to play into what’s already working. What are things that interest your loved one? Are they drawn to physical work or better at personal relationships? From there, identify a few options and present them to your loved one. This can be a great way to excite them and give them the independence in choosing what kind of job they want to have.

Interview preparation and workplace social skills

Interviews can be tough for anyone, and even more so for those who struggle with social situations. Support coordinators can help your loved one access programs that offer interview practice and guidance on workplace expectations, making the experience feel less overwhelming.

Employment programs and vocational training opportunities

Support coordinators work with families and their loved ones to identify employment opportunities and vocational programs that feel like a good fit. Through connections to job coaching, skills training, and supported employment services, they help make the path into the workforce more structured and supportive.

READ MORE: 5 Common Challenges Families Face When Transitioning to Adult Services

#3 — Education and Lifelong Learning

Education can be a powerful source of purpose and confidence at any age. For many adults with autism, returning to school or exploring new learning opportunities can bring structure, spark new interests, and open doors to skills they’ll carry into adulthood.

Options for continuing education

Support coordinators can connect families and their loved ones to certain programs, certifications, and other skill-building courses. They work with local schools and organizations to make education accessible and comprehensive to all types of students with autism.

Strategies for self-directed learning and goal setting

One of the best ways to foster lifelong learning is by encouraging your loved one to pursue topics that genuinely interest them. Help them break down large academic or personal goals into smaller, manageable steps. Tools like visual project boards, dedicated study times, and accountability partners (such as a support coordinator or a trusted family member) can help maintain focus and momentum in their self-directed pursuits.

#4 — Community Inclusion and Social Skills

There is no shortage of social, recreational, and volunteer opportunities across the state. With the help of support coordinators, young adults with autism can be connected to the right resources for their interests.

• Social skills: Support coordinators can connect individuals with local programs and peer support groups, which often meet weekly or monthly.
• Recreational skills: There are organizations across New Jersey that offer introductory classes and self-led exercises to get your loved one involved with sports and athletics. You can also speak to your support coordinator about other programs that might be more aligned with your loved one’s needs. 
• Volunteer opportunities: Volunteering at local nonprofits or charities is an accessible and inexpensive way to get involved in the community, as these organizations are always seeking assistance. Your support coordinator can help identify which organizations could be a good fit. 

READ MORE: A Wonderful Life: 4 Ways Support Coordination Makes a Difference

Final Thoughts

Supporting adults with autism as they work toward their own version of independence is a journey that takes time, patience, and care, and it can be deeply rewarding. By finding the right balance between offering guidance and allowing space for growth, and by tapping into the many resources and supports available, families can help create a strong foundation for confidence, self-advocacy, and a fulfilling life.

If you’re looking for support in helping your loved one build independence skills and connect with the right resources, Skylands is here to help. Our support coordinators work alongside families to create plans that honor each person’s strengths, needs, and goals. Reach out to learn more about how we can support your loved one’s growing independence.