Wisconsin Autism Transition Demonstration Project
Project Description:
The purpose of the Wisconsin Autism Transition Demonstration Project is to improve transition outcomes for youth with autism and their families/caregivers (YA/F) transitioning from child to adult serving systems in WI. These systems include but are not limited to post-secondary education, competitive integrated employment, community integration, independent/daily living, and healthcare. There are approximately 22,170 transition-age youth with autism in WI. For youth with autism, the transition to adult serving service systems is complex and precarious, and many do not receive the transition supports they need. The exit from high school and subsequent years of young adulthood are a period of particular risk for experiencing instability in activities and services, declines in health, and increases in family burden. Aligned with the Blueprint for Change: A National Framework for a System of Services for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs1, the project implements and evaluates innovative, sustainable, and scalable transition support strategies in four catchments areas with the aim of subsequent statewide spread. The target population is youth with autism between the ages of 13 and 26 who have complex support needs (CSN) (i.e. have co-occurring conditions or intellectual disabilities (ID), experience challenges in social cognition, communication, interpersonal skills and/or behaviors, and require a higher level of family support and coordination). The project adopts specific strategies and activities that maximize the ability to meet grant expectations and lead to the following Program Objectives: 1) By August 2029, increase by 50% the percentage of youth with autism successfully transitioning to adult serving systems; 2) By August 2029, increase by 75% of the percentage of all families of transition age youth with autism reporting improved self-efficacy with the transition process; and 3) By 2029, adopt a framework for ongoing partnership, collaboration, and consultation between agencies to support the transition process.
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Quality of Life
Target Audience:
Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County, State, National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
