Transition to Adulthood with Stephen Shore, PhD.

Note: Technical limitations required the sound recording occur via telephone on this presentation.

Stephen Shore, Ed.D. shares insights about growing up with autism, navigating school, and finding his role in education and advocacy.

A professor of special education at Adelphi University, Dr. Shore was diagnosed with autism in early childhood. He recounted how his parents encouraged his strong interests and engaged in helping to teach him communication skills, both of which ultimately led him to success in school and job opportunities. His love of bicycles and strengths in disassembling and rebuilding things led him to become a bicycle mechanic as an older teen and in college. Later, his gift for music and also helping others advocate for their educational and employment needs led him to study music and develop curricula that builds on student strengths.

In addition to his teaching and advocacy roles, Dr. Shore is a member of the Autism Speaks board as well as its Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee.

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00:00 - Intro
2:10 – Three key aspects of transitions to adulthood
4:34 – About the speaker
6:30 – Home-based early intervention outline
8:00 – Ability-based approach
9:00 – Reframing characteristics as strengths
11:00 – Timeline of autism experience
12:30 – Resources for support
14:40 – Federal age for transition
16:00 – Preparing for employment success
1700 – Chores and jobs
19:10 – Special interests as strengths
23:00 – Self-awareness, strengths, and challenges
24:25 – Example case – Jose’s job
26:30 – Four steps to effective self-advocacy
29:05 – Partial disclosure and self-advocacy
33:40 – The hidden social curriculum
35:00 – Using strengths to find suitable employment
37:45 – Table – Personal characteristics and employment positions
40:30 – IDEA vs ADA
44:10 – Universally positive accommodations
45:50 – Meeting with a disability counselor
47:20 – Sexuality and autism
51:12 – Example case – Addressing change in routine
52:30 – Self-advocacy and the pandemic
56:06 – Q & A