This book shows that with appropriate lifelong care, it is possible for those with neurodevelopmental disabilities to achieve supported independence and fulfilling adult lives. It provides a guide for parents on how to prepare their children for adulthood, and describes in detail the kinds of services people with ASDs need to live independently.

Contents: A Message for Parents. Acknowledgements. Preface. Introduction: Real Lives. Part I: Understanding the Autism Spectrum Disabilities. 1. What are Neurodevelopmental Disabilities? 2. Families Living with Disability. Part II: Understanding Executive Functions. 3. Initiation, or Getting Started. 4. Concrete Thinking and Response to Novelty. 5. Planning, Sequencing and Organizing. 6. Attention and Concentration. 7. Regulation of Emotions. 8. A Glance at Memory. 9. Judgment, Self-Awareness and Self Monitoring. Part III: Reaching Adulthood. 10. Preparing for Adulthood. 11. Living with Parents. 12. Living in a Group Home. Part IV: A Model Program of Supported Independence. 13. The Value of Living with Peers. 14. The Structure and Goals of the Program. 15. The Clinical Methods of the Program. 16. Counseling. 17. Specific Methods Employed at CAL. 18. Teamwork with Parents. Appendix I: A New Idea - A Variation on the Model of Group Home Living. Appendix II: Resources. References. Index.

As a student, with limited knowledge and experience into ASD, I found the book very accessible and provided a welcoming insight into the disability. Part one: understanding ASD and part 2: Understanding executive functions and ASD provided handy anecdotes to illustrate how deficits in cognitive abilities lead to people with ASD being unable to adapt to changing situations or regulate their behaviour. -- College of Occupational TherapistsIt gives a valuable insight into the world of people with ASD highlighting how their difficulties are often attributed to behaviour and personality. It will help families to understand individuals and direct strategies appropriately... she (Nancy Perry) provides parents a very insightful approach in preparing their children with disabilities for adulthood... This well written book encourages readers with children with ASD to think about their future early on in life. It gives simple jargon free advide to many of the problems faced in the journey to adulthood and helps provide a solid foundation to build upon in the future... gives readers the option of helping people with ASD live successfully out with family homes enjoying satisfying peer relationships. -- The British Journal of Developmental DisabilitiesThe strength of this book lies in its use of many examples from the author's own experience illustrating common difficulties encountered in social interactions and making sense of behaviours through an executive functions deficit model. This book really does speak to parents. It makes a good case for thinking and planning around independence, and encourages parents not to feel guilty should they decide on a residential facility for their adult child. -- Community LivingThis is a book that every parent of every autistic child, adolescent or adult, needs to read. -- Siautism.net... A clearly written presentation addressing the significant challenges faced by adults on the autism spectrum as they attempt to make the transition to independence... -- On the SpectrumPerry thoroughly discusses the importance of teaching self-help skills and domestic responsibilities to children on the autism spectrum before they become adults with more ridged patterns of living and learning. Perry also explains why and how the program creates structure and guidelines to best support adults on the autism spectrum so that they can avoid common pitfalls and live as independently as possible. Peppered with both cautionary tales and success stories, Perry gives a realistic portrayal of what it takes to achieve supported independence as an adult on the autism spectrum. -- The Spectrum