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Building a Strong Support Network for Your Young Adult

Whether your young adult has mild autism or a severe intellectual disability, a support network is essential. It helps them live with more independence, confidence, and joy — and gives you peace of mind, too.

 

What Is a Support Network?

A support network is a group of people who help your young adult succeed in life. These are trusted individuals who:

  • Understand your child’s needs

  • Respect their voice and choices

  • Offer help in specific areas (like decision-making, transportation, or emotional support)

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Types of People to Include in the Network

Here are examples of who might be part of the team:

Family & Friends

  • Parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents

  • Close friends or neighbors

Professionals

  • Teachers, aides, job coaches

  • Therapists (speech, occupational, behavioral)

  • Support coordinators or case managers

Health & Wellness

  • Doctors, dentists, mental health providers

  • Nutritionists or physical therapists

Community Support

  • Employers or coworkers

  • Church or faith-based mentors

  • Club leaders (gaming, music, art, sports)

  • Local volunteers or students studying special education

Out-of-the-Box Thinkers

  • Baristas, librarians, or grocery store clerks who know your child by name and routine

  • A tech-savvy teen who can teach social media safety

  • Retired neighbor who enjoys regular check-ins

  • Peer mentors from community centers

  • Online friends (with supervision) who share common interests

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What to Look for in a Support Person

✔️ Trustworthy — You feel safe leaving your child with them
✔️ Patient — They understand that learning and growth take time
✔️ Consistent — They show up and follow through
✔️ Respectful — They treat your child with dignity
✔️ Communicator — They share updates and listen to your feedback
✔️ Flexible — They can adapt as your child’s needs change

 

Most Important Thing to Keep in Mind:

It’s not about finding “perfect” people — it’s about building a dependable team that believes in your child’s potential.

Your child’s needs will change over time. So will the network. That’s okay! What matters is creating a safe, supportive environment that helps them grow in confidence and independence.

 

Final Tips:

  • Start small — even 2–3 reliable people can make a big difference

  • Ask people directly: “Would you be willing to be part of our support team?”

  • Keep communication open (group texts, check-ins, shared calendars)

  • Use visual charts or binders for clarity, especially for complex needs

  • Review the team regularly and adjust as needed

 

Helpful Resources

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