Early preparation shapes long-term independence for children with autism
BOWLING GREEN Recent CDC data reveals a startling reality for Kentuckiana families: Autism diagnoses in children have risen to 1 in 31 from the previous 1 in 36.
This sharp rise underscores the growing need for comprehensive support systems, making the mission of Lifeworks for Autism more essential than ever. Based in Bowling Green, Lifeworks is addressing a critical gap for families of young adults with autism, providing them with customized 1:1 support to gain independence and employment—two areas that are often overlooked as children with autism transition into adulthood.
Ensuring individuals with autism achieve independence is a crucial component of their overall well-being. However, independence alone is not enough—long-term health must also be prioritized. Physicians play a vital
role in this process, not only by guiding families through early interventions but by helping patients plan for their child’s future in a way that accounts for both their autonomy and their medical needs. Given the higher prevalence of comorbidities associated with autism—including gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances, and mental health challenges—it is essential that healthcare providers take a proactive approach. By integrating long-term health planning with strategies for independence, physicians can empower individuals with autism to lead fulfilling lives while addressing the medical concerns that may arise throughout their lifespan.
The Challenge of Autism
When parents first receive an autism diagnosis for their child, their immediate focus is often on addressing the challenges of the present. The demands of daily life require navigating each developmental milestone as a new hurdle—how will they manage the transition into first grade, for example? This approach, while understandable, may limit long-term planning. While it can be overwhelming to focus on anything other than your immediate concerns, it is essential to consider the broader trajectory from the very beginning. By embracing a lifelong perspective, families can proactively ensure that as the parents age, their children have a structured plan in place for achieving self-sufficiency.
Preparing individuals for a lifetime of independence means fostering the skills and support systems that enable meaningful engagement with the world—whether through independent living, employment, or social interaction. Success, in this context, is not solely defined by autonomy but by the ability to participate in society in a way that aligns with each individual’s needs and aspirations. By shifting the focus from immediate concerns to long-term preparedness, families can create sustainable pathways for their children’s future independence and well-being.
This philosophy makes the need for comprehensive programming to support individuals with autism even more significant. Through the work of so many dedicated parents and caregivers, there are now many support systems in place for students on the autism spectrum from kindergarten through high school. However, there is oftentimes a sudden gap—a drop—where services and structured guidance disappear, leaving families and individuals without the resources necessary to transition successfully into adulthood. This lack of continuity is precisely what Lifeworks aims to address. We want to see a smooth pathway for all as these children with autism as they transition to adulthood and independence.
How Transitioning Works
Individuals on the autism spectrum have the potential to work and live independently if provided the proper skills and support. Lifeworks provides the instruction and practice necessary to equip autistic adults with the tools to obtain gainful employment and succeed in living on their own without requiring lifelong public financial assistance.
Lifeworks’ mission is to provide the education, training, and support systems that prepare individuals for life beyond structured programs—ensuring they are equipped not only for employment but for the broader responsibilities of independent living. True well-being extends beyond basic care; it requires the opportunity to engage fully in society, cultivate autonomy, and build a future where self-sufficiency is achievable. By bridging these gaps, Lifeworks empower individuals to thrive, fostering a lifelong pathway toward independence and holistic success.
Lifeworks, the first program of its kind in Kentucky and one of just a few in the nation, offers person-centered learning with tailored goals and work placements based on each participant’s skills, interests, potential and strengths. This approach has led to an astounding 90 percent job placement success rate for young adults with autism in the Lifeworks program, far surpassing the national average of just 15 percent of adults with autism who are gainfully employed.
Lifeworks for Autism includes the Transition Academy, a living-and-learning two-year program which was established in 2020 and is designed to provide the instruction and practice necessary to equip its participants with the tools to obtain gainful employment and succeed in living on their own.
The newly established Lifeworks On The Go is a similar program but is intended for autistic young adults who live within driving distance of the main campus. Just like the Transition Academy, On The Go provides support to gain employment opportunities and a comprehensive independent living curriculum.
Working Is More Than a Job
Lifeworks staff believe employment adds value and purpose to every individual’s life and serves as the cornerstone of independent living. The person-centered approach focuses on developing participants’ employment readiness skills. One hundred percent of Lifeworks participants—many of whom did not have prior work experience—increase the number of hours they were working prior to enrolling in Lifeworks.
A day at Lifeworks mimics a workday, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes a focus on:
- Employability
- Housing and transportation
- Health, wellness, and nutrition
- Life skills
- Relationships
- Financial management
- Adaptability
- Personal safety
- Social skills
- Leisure activities
Emerging research suggests that recreation, particularly nature-based activities like hiking, camping, or outdoor play, is an important component of wellness, especially for individuals with autism. Rather than merely offering a break, recreation fosters the growth and development of age-appropriate skills that are essential for personal and social well-being.
In this work with young adults on the autism spectrum to help them develop the skills to live independently, we ensure that health and time in nature plays a crucial role in their growth and well-being—a key unique offering at Lifeworks.
By integrating long-term health planning with strategies for independence, Lifeworks is working within the community to empower individuals with autism to lead fulfilling lives. This holistic approach ensures that independence is not just achievable, but sustainable.