Did you know that 85% of autistic teens worry about their transition to adult life? Standing at the doorway of adulthood, your 17-year-old faces exciting but challenging changes. Like a bird preparing to leave its nest, your teen needs specific skills to take flight into independence.
Why Focus on Age 17
The final year of high school brings unique challenges: college applications, job hunting, serious relationships, and growing independence. Just as a pilot needs different instruments for takeoff, your teen needs various skills to launch into adult life.
Before Starting the Assessment
Think of this tool as a friendly conversation about your teen’s readiness for adult life. Like a GPS helping you navigate new territory, this assessment helps you spot patterns in how your teen handles growing responsibilities and independence.
Autism Assessment for 17 Year Old
Every young adult develops uniquely. This assessment helps parents observe patterns that might suggest autism traits in 17-year-olds, with focus on college readiness, career planning, and adult relationships.
Common Signs at Age 17:
- Adult relationships
- College preparation
- Career planning
- Life skills
- Adult independence
Key Development Areas:
- Future independence
- Advanced social skills
- Life transitions
- Self sufficiency
- Adult decision making
Important Note for Parents:
This assessment is designed to help identify patterns that might indicate autism traits in your 17-year-old, with special attention to adult transition readiness. It is not a diagnostic tool. Please discuss any concerns with your teen's healthcare provider or education team.
How to Take the Assessment
- Choose a quiet time when you can focus deeply
- Click the “Start Assessment” button
- Consider your teen’s behavior over recent months
- Pick answers that reflect everyday behavior, not occasional moments
- Use “Previous” to review earlier answers
- Complete all questions thoughtfully
Understanding Your Results
Your results will show a percentage score. Think of it like a readiness gauge:
70% or higher: Your teen shows several patterns common in young adults with autism, particularly in areas of independence and transition planning.
50-69%: Your teen shows some patterns that sometimes appear in young adults with autism.
Below 50%: Your teen shows fewer patterns typically connected with autism.
Taking Action
If your teen’s score is high or you notice concerning patterns:
- Create a detailed transition plan
- Meet with their school counselor
- Schedule a healthcare provider visit
- Research adult support services
- Look into college disability services
- Consider vocational counseling
- Explore independent living skills programs
Building Future Success
Think of preparing for adulthood like building a bridge. Each skill your teen develops becomes another support beam making that bridge stronger. Understanding their unique needs now helps create a more solid crossing into adult life.
Support Resources
Consider exploring:
- College transition programs
- Job coaching services
- Life skills workshops
- Adult autism support groups
- Transition planning specialists
Medical Disclaimer
This assessment works like a compass, not a map. It cannot diagnose autism but can guide important conversations about adult transitions. Only qualified healthcare professionals can provide proper evaluation and diagnosis. This tool helps you notice patterns in your teen’s readiness for adult life that you might want to discuss with their healthcare team. Your results are private and meant only to help you understand your observations better. Never delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you learned from this assessment. If you have concerns about your teen’s transition to adulthood, always consult with their healthcare provider and transition team. Remember that autism traits can present differently in young adults, and professional guidance is essential for proper support during this crucial life transition.