SAMPLE WORKSHOP (B)
Transition Planning for Parents of Adult Children
Date: TBD (1 day) A discussion based/interactive workshop
Morning Session
Opening Presentation: A Positive Mindset 9:00-9:45am
You Must Have a Plan 10:00-11:30am
Lunch 11:30am-1:00pm
Afternoon Session 1:00-3:30pm
Parents Major Concerns and Fears:
- Safety
- Time Management
- Health Issues
- Making Friends/ Socialization
- Finding Work: On the Job Training and Keeping the Job
- Community: Fitting Into Society
The “Letting Go” Process
Many parents are stopped by their own fears, which keeps them from letting go and moving forward. If they are unwilling to “let go” in a timely manner, independence may not take place at all, even if their adult child is willing and able.
Parents must be realistic while being optimistic. This type of thinking takes some training and getting used to. Most children will not live their parent’s dreams and the parents must accept that. For many that can be extremely difficult and felt as a tremendous loss. The parents need to see the future through their children’s eyes so they can live the life that best suits them. Then their children will have a much better chance of being successful.
A child will spend 75% of his or her life as an adult and a majority of that time will be without their parents. With that said, parents or guardians must do everything they can to help their children reach their full potential.
This is a discussion-based workshop set in a safe environment designed to generate interaction between participants to express their own personal experiences and feelings, which will be shared with one another. We will address firsthand experiences and stories that paint vivid pictures and teach valuable lessons.
Amalia helped her adult son, Brandon live his dream of independence for 17 years. She will talk candidly as she addresses, supports, and answers questions on this most important subject, transitioning to adulthood. It is never too early to begin to talk about independence. It is a lifelong process.
- Resource Books:
- I Have Autism…What’ll I Do Without You, Mom (Chapters Seven & Eight)
- Raising Brandon: Creating a Path to Independence
For more information and to buy Amalia’s books visit her website at www.AmaliaStarr.com.