Spectrum of Independence

For parents of neurodiverse children, milestones that many families take for granted—like graduating from high school or college, getting a job, and, eventually, leaving the nest—may be fraught with uncertainty. How can kids who need loads of support to get through the day ever learn to take care of themselves? This motivating, practical book gives worried parents concrete strategies for maximizing the independence of their child or teen with autism, intellectual disabilities, or other forms of neurodiversity. Exercises and downloadable worksheets are rooted in scientifically based behavioral principles and illustrated with vivid, relatable examples. By breaking down tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and making a sandwich into manageable “micro steps,” parents learn to phase out assistance gradually and systematically as kids take ownership of their routines. Daily life skills truly can be improved with the right tools—and they are vital stepping stones for the challenges of adulthood.